Cambodia’s Digital Sovereignty Under Attack as Thai Accounts Exploit Google Maps

Cambodia’s online identity is under threat after hundreds of Google Maps locations were found to be manipulated by Thai users in what experts describe as a coordinated disinformation campaign. The findings show how Google Maps’ reviewing system is being exploited by Thai Local Guide users to spread disinformation, harassment and offensive languages, damaging Cambodia’s image online, according to findings from the Google Maps Location Violations Investigation Report by Cambodia Local Guide Community. ‘Coordinated Disinformation Campaign’ “A coordinated campaign to spread disinformation” on Cambodia’s digital landscape was carried out by hundreds of Thai Google Local Guide accounts, with around seven out of 10 being new accounts. This implies that “recently created accounts are used in the campaign process”, according to Ngeth Moses, a reporter issuer, during the launch event on September 6 in Phnom Penh.