Cambodia many CPP politicians also use the platform for self-promotion and to connect with supporters, not to mention that it is a vital platform for pro-government narratives circulated by pro-CPP bloggers. A ban therefore meant that the government would lose the biggest cog in their online propaganda machinery. independent media have reportedly been the targets of attacks by accounts suspected to be part of the operation61, 62, 63. The Cyber War Room reportedly ramped up its activities in 2023 to attack dissidents, to soften criticism from communities inside and outside the country, and to protect the reputation of the government64. The Cambodian government also operates a cyber army known as the Cyber War Room, a machinery to spread pro-government narratives. The operation’s existence was leaked in 2017 from the account of Kim Santepheap, then Undersecretary of State and spokesman for the Justice Ministry. An email was exposed containing information and documents about the structure and members of the group, which was initiated in 2012 in preparation for the 2013 national election. It also claimed that the Cyber War Room was led by Hun Manet, who held a senior military position at that time60. The information in the email cannot be verified since Santepheap denied its authenticity, even though there are indicators that tend to confirm the unit’s existence. For years, social media channels of dissidents and 4. Threats Against Critics and Political Opposition 60 61 62 63 64 Government has created a fearful environment for public expression, and Cambodians are aware that they are not free to express any critical opinion about the country’s institutions. Over the years, many opposition figures and activists have been arrested and sentenced to jail terms in politically motivated cases, including some based on their social media posts. The year 2023 is no different, except that since it is an election year, there was heightened targeting of opposition activists. In 2013, the country almost experienced the political winds of change after a close electoral contest between the CPP and the Paviour, Ben. “Members Confirm CPP-Linked ‘Cyber War Room’.” The Cambodia Daily, 26 May 2017, english. cambodiadaily.com/editors-choice/members-confirm-cpp-linked-cyber-war-room-130427. Yang, Chandara. “Ruling Party Forms Comment Team on Social Media to Distrupt Media Coverage and Some Critics.” Radio Free Asia, 12 Jan. 2024, www.rfa.org/khmer/news/politics/ruling-party-formscomment-team-on-social-media-to-disrupt-media-coverage-and-some-critics-01122024051501.html. Keeton-Olsen, Danielle, and Sreynat Sarum. “Cambodia’s Leader Continues to Abuse Facebook While Meta Mulls Suspension Ruling.” Rest of World, 2 Aug. 2023, restofworld.org/2023/cambodialeader-back-on-facebook. Neou, Vannarin. “Ruling Party’s Cyber Army Are Intensifying Their Offensive Activities to Neutralize Criticism.” Radio Free Asia, 7 Mar. 2023, www.rfa.org/khmer/news/human-rights/cyber-attack-groupsare-intensifying-their-offensive-activities-to-neutralize-criticism-03072023081306.html. Ibid. 29