NBC joins initiative on ethical use of digital and AI technologies to detect and counter disinformation and deepfakes’

The Managing Director of National Broadcasting Corporation, Kora Nou has welcomed the initiative of the Asia Institute of Broadcasting Development to rally its members to collaborate to strengthen information integrity, enhance media ethics, and restore public trust across the Asia-Pacific region.

At the 20th Asia Media Summit in Siem Leap Province, Kingdom of Cambodia, NBC joined other regional public broadcasters in promoting the ethical use of digital and AI technologies to detect and counter disinformation, deepfakes, and manipulated content.

“Members signed the Angkor Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen information integrity, media ethics, and public trust in the digital age,” Nou said.

Speaking after the conclusion of the summit, Mr Nou said the initiative recognises the transformative impact of digital technologies, including AI, on the media and communications landscape; while acknowledging the opportunities and challenges they present for ensuring information integrity, media ethics, and public trust.

He said while the MoU is voluntary, it readily acknowledges the increasing threats posed by the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation, and declining ethic and public trust in media institutions.

"It also encourages the development of AI-driven tools and multilingual fact checking mechanisms, in partnership with academic and technology institutions.”

Mr Nou said this would be done through:

• responsible deployment of digital and AI technologies and multilingual fact-checking mechanisms, in partnership with academic and technology institutions;

• reaffirmation of editorial accountability and professional journalism standards;

• building and advancing public resilience against disinformation through structured, inclusive media literacy programmes;

• facilitating cross-border fact-checking and source authentication initiatives;

• establishment of the Angkor Knowledge Hub, coordinated by AIBD as an independent, non-political centre for training, research, and strategic exchange; and

• promote the safety, security, and well-being of journalists, particularly those reporting on sensitive or controversial topics.

He said the highlight of the summit was the recognition of Minister for ICT, Timothy Masiu for his work for AIBD.

"As the Special Envoy of the AIBD in the Pacific, Minister Masiu has increasingly called for the Pacific media to be given a more prominent voice and space in such regional and international groupings.

"For him to be awarded a lifetime achievement award by the AIBD for his work clearly indicates the Pacific is being heard now, and this is highly commendable,” he said.

Mr Nou said it was an honour to receive the award on behalf of Minister Masiu from the Minister of Information for Cambodia.

The Managing Director was also a panellist of the Media CEOs’ Session on Wednesday before he departed Cambodia.