In a contentious move that could redefine the digital political landscape in Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen on Friday, June 30, warned he might impose an indefinite ban on Facebook in the country. The announcement follows Facebook’s statement that it intends to remove a contentious video from Hun Sen’s account.
The circumstances have come to a head just ahead of the July 23 elections, which have been widely criticized as lacking authenticity after authorities declined registration to the main opposition to Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party.
On Thursday, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, through its Oversight Board, resolved to remove a contentious video featuring the Prime Minister. The video, criticized for its “unequivocal statements of intent to commit violence” against opposition politicians, had been flagged by the board.
Tech specialists have touted this development as a crucial turning point. Hun Sen, once an avid Facebook user, has reportedly ceased using the platform and seemingly deleted his account.
In a public address to garment workers in Pursat province, the Prime Minister highlighted the potential ban on Facebook. He underscored that the move could impede exiled opposition leaders from communicating with the Cambodian populace.
Expressing his disdain for perceived insults targeted at his wife and son on Facebook, Hun Sen encouraged Cambodians to explore alternative social media platforms, including Telegram, TikTok, Line, Viber, and Meta-owned WhatsApp.
The saga has drawn international attention. Matthew Warren from Melbourne’s RMIT University Centre for Cyber Security Research opined that Meta was under increasing pressure to hold politicians accountable for online misconduct. Hun Sen’s recent threats to ban Facebook may trigger the revival of a government plan for a national internet gateway.
In response to Hun Sen’s proposed ban, Cambodian citizens expressed mixed reactions. Some expressed concerns about potential impacts on small businesses, while others lauded the possibility of reducing exposure to online immorality.
In the aftermath of this episode, Meta’s Oversight Board recommended a six-month suspension of Hun Sen’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. Shortly after, Meta confirmed it would implement the decision to remove the controversial video.
Hun Sen, who has held power for 38 years, is one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. This development draws attention to the ever-growing influence of social media in political discourse.
This news is based on an article from thestar.com.my.
