DES Combats False Claims in Border Dispute

Combating Fake News: A Multi-Faceted Approach

The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has launched a comprehensive initiative to address the spread of fake news and disinformation, particularly concerning the Thai-Cambodian border conflict. This effort involves collaboration with various platforms to detect and remove false information within a strict three-hour window, following the identification of 1.1 billion suspected cases of online misinformation over the past five years.

New Measures to Counter Disinformation

In response to growing concerns about the impact of fake news on public perception and social stability, the DES Ministry has implemented new strategies to combat misinformation. These measures were discussed during a high-level meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Analysing Social Media News, where key stakeholders came together to address the issue.

During the meeting, Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong emphasized the importance of cooperation between the government and social media platforms. He highlighted that discussions were held with major platforms to secure their support in identifying and removing false information and accounts involved in information operations (IO).

The platforms showed a positive response, leading to several significant agreements. One of the main outcomes was the prioritization of fake news related to unrest along Thailand’s border regions. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology was also proposed as a critical tool for detecting and blocking such content across all digital channels.

Enhanced Enforcement and Coordination

To strengthen enforcement, the committee agreed to increase manpower dedicated to anti-fake news efforts. Additionally, cases involving IO or psychological operations will be referred to the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) for further action, including notifications and takedowns through platform coordination.

Another important agreement was the enhancement of online identity verification processes. Companies will now be required to undergo verification before placing advertisements, a measure that is already being implemented. This step aims to prevent the spread of misleading content through unverified sources.

Rapid-Response Protocol

A key component of the new strategy is the implementation of a rapid-response protocol. Once fake news is detected and verified, factual corrections must be disseminated to the public within three hours. This ensures that misinformation does not have an extended period to influence public opinion.

Since 2019, the ministry has documented 1.1 billion suspected pieces of fake news for review and analysis. However, advancements in technology have significantly improved the government's ability to detect and respond to disinformation. This progress underscores the importance of continuous investment in digital tools and expertise.

Ongoing Collaboration and Monitoring

The DES Ministry and the Public Relations Department will work closely to ensure timely communication and ongoing monitoring of the situation. This includes launching targeted campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of fake news and promoting media literacy.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been tasked with investigating service providers involved in information operations and reporting findings to the committee. This oversight helps maintain accountability and ensures that all parties adhere to the agreed-upon protocols.

Conclusion

The fight against fake news and disinformation requires a coordinated effort involving multiple stakeholders. By leveraging technology, enhancing enforcement, and improving transparency, the government is taking meaningful steps to protect public discourse and maintain social harmony. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too must the strategies used to combat the spread of false information.