Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association

Phnom Penh Internet Forum Calls Attention to Digital Illiteracy and the Fight for Internet Freedoms

A diverse group of youth, including indigenous people, LGBTIQ+ individuals and people with disabilities, gather to share their concerns about using digital platforms at the Phnom Penh Internet Forum, held on October 17, 2024 at Phnom Penh Factory. (CamboJA/Leng Luot)
A diverse group of youth, including indigenous people, LGBTIQ+ individuals and people with disabilities, gather to share their concerns about using digital platforms at the Phnom Penh Internet Forum, held on October 17, 2024 at Phnom Penh Factory. (CamboJA/Leng Luot)

Despite the rapid digitalization of Cambodia’s economy and society, many online citizens continue to struggle with digital illiteracy – particularly vulnerable groups exposed to online discrimination and fraud. 

As digitalization efforts increase, experts are urging the government to implement laws that protect social media users and ensure safer digital spaces quickly—but thoughtfully—while incorporating input from civil society and preventing any potential government overreach

One place for discourse on solutions for safeguarding digital rights has been at the inaugural Phnom Penh Internet Forum (PPIF) hosted by the Digital Rights Working Group, a local organization of civil society groups and digital liberties advocates.

Under this year’s theme of “Cambodia for a just and inclusive digital future”, the forum brought together diverse youth on October 17 and 18 to discuss concerns about using digital platforms in today’s fast-changing online environment.

Vin Vichit, a person with a disability who attended the forum, is concerned that the influx and ubiquitousness of digital technologies may leave people with similar conditions unequipped to navigate the platforms, limiting their ability to connect and exposing them to predatory scammers. 

Soth Peosamnang, an LGBTIQ+ activist who spoke at the forum, expressed the dualities of social media her community faces. 

“Advances in technology have given LGBTIQ+ people the opportunity to express themselves and make their presence known,” they said. “[But] on social media, we see the LGBTIQ+ community being ridiculed and sometimes discriminated against.” 

As at-risk communities speak out about the precarity of online spaces, other digital rights leaders highlighted the lack of digital literacy among the general population and advocated for laws that ensure a safe and open internet.

Pa Chanroeun, the president of the Cambodia Institute for Democracy, highlighted during the forum that despite a growing demand for digital tech, many Cambodians still lack essential digital literacy, making them vulnerable to online risks such as fraud and harassment.

The ASEAN Foundation revealed in a report from March of this year that only 30% of Cambodians possess basic digital literacy skills despite more than 67% having access to the internet.

With limited digital acumen, Cambodians have been conned out of nearly $40 million in online scams in just the first six months of this year, highlighting how the notorious cyberscam industry in the country targets not just foreigners but also Cambodians.

Chanroeun emphasized that for Cambodia to safely integrate new digital technologies, it must enact laws that protect users and align with international standards. He also called for expanding digital infrastructure to bridge the digital divide in rural communities.

Lam Socheat, director of the Advocacy and Policy Institute (API), echoed Chanroeun’s sentiments, stating, “To safeguard users, Cambodia needs robust laws like a cybercrime law to protect users’ privacy and prevent people from falling victim to online fraud.”

“We need laws that effectively protect data for the state, companies, and individuals, while safeguarding the rights of both internet users and providers,” Socheat explained.

In the past, Cambodia’s ideas for cybersecurity laws faced international scrutiny, particularly over proposed data localization measures that threaten to stifle cross-border data flows and undermine both economic growth and human rights commitments.

Socheat also explained that while the expansion of internet access has allowed users to express their opinions openly, including criticisms of the government, many often face legal repercussions for their posts.

From July 2023 to June 2024, the Advocacy and Policy Institute (API) monitored internet freedom across 2,000 websites in Cambodia, including those of civil society organizations, media outlets, and activists. API found that 65 of these websites were blocked or inaccessible, primarily affecting human rights activists, environmental groups, and independent media, according to Socheat.

“Internet service providers have blocked websites used by organizations or activists to discuss sensitive issues or by independent media outlets,” Socheat said, adding that online gaming and pornography websites were also among those blocked.

Outside of censorship concerns, authorities have acknowledged a need for collaboration with civil society to strengthen and promote digital skills among vulnerable groups, including indigenous communities.

“If civil society and development partners can expand their support for promoting digital rights for people with disabilities, I welcome it,” said Noum Sokhom, a representative of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Youth Rehabilitation. “I am also concerned about indigenous communities’ access to internet infrastructure and their digital literacy.” 

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