INTERSECTIONAL GENDER ANALYSIS: ONLINE FREEDOM IN CAMBODIA
In Cambodia, prevailing gender norms and ideologies are
frequently identified as underlying factors contributing
to gender inequalities.127 Online gender-based violence
and harassment are rooted in these issues. Despite
growing awareness of these problematics, the
translation of this recognition into effective policies
and laws remains insufficient. The inadequacies are
evident in Cambodia’s draft cybercrime law, which
narrowly addresses the problem of child pornography in
Article 27, overlooking the broader spectrum of online
violence targeting women and marginalised groups,
as emphasised by Open Development Mekong. This
critical observation underscores a significant gap
in the legal framework concerning the protection of
vulnerable groups within the digital realm.128
As mentioned earlier, Cambodia’s legislative
foundation for digital development is characterised
by its incompleteness and insufficiency. The absence
of laws about data protection, privacy, electronic
transactions, public information, and cybercrime
leaves a void in regulatory mechanisms. These
cavities are particularly concerning given the rapid
expansion in both the scope and volume of the digital
and technology sector, coupled with the introduction
of new challenges and hazards. This inadequacy is
acknowledged in the Cambodia Digital Economy and
Society Policy Framework 2021-2035, as outlined by
The Royal Cambodian Government in 2021. Addressing
these legal gaps is imperative to ensure a robust and
comprehensive legal framework that can effectively
govern the evolving digital landscape and safeguard
the interests of individuals and groups vulnerable to
online threats and violence.129
It is estimated that 12.5 million individuals are internet
users in 2022, out of which 8.4 million actively engage
with various social media platforms.130 Among many
social media platforms, Facebook, YouTube, Google,
Telegram, and TikTok stand out as the top five choices.
Cambodia
Notably, Facebook enjoys unparalleled popularity, with
over 80 percent of internet users, followed by YouTube
with a user base exceeding 60 percent. However,
the increased use of social media also brings about
challenges, particularly in the form of online harassment.
A survey conducted by Lirneasia in 2018 reveals that
29 percent of female internet users aged 15 to 65 in
Cambodia have encountered online harassment. 131 This
encompasses experiences such as being subjected to
offensive names, criticism, embarrassment, physical
threats, sexual harassment, and unwanted contact.
Furthermore, a UNICEF study spanning 160 countries
estimates that 85.7 percent of Cambodian youth aged
15 to 25 years are vulnerable to online harassment.132
Notably, a report from LICADHO in 2021 emphasises
that online harassment rates are notably high within
LGBTIQA+ groups, among activists, and youth and
they identify Facebook as a predominant platform
for online harassment in Cambodia.133
Furthermore, The comprehensive analysis of repressive
legislation and regulations in Cambodia reveals their
wide-ranging impact on individuals of all genders.
Notably, defamation lawsuits, frequently deployed
against opposition figures and activists, present unique
challenges with distinct gender implications. Within the
realm of journalism, women journalists in Cambodia
not only encounter these disproportionate threats but
also contend with limited access to gender-sensitive
support services, including gender-responsive legal
advice. Both male and female journalists confront
challenges to their professional activities, but female
journalists associated with entities such as Voice of
Democracy confront arrests and legal challenges,
fostering an environment where women in media may
feel disproportionately vulnerable. The fear of legal
repercussions and harassment can dissuade women
from pursuing careers in journalism, thereby restricting
the diversity of voices in the media landscape.134
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