ASEAN Urged to Strengthen Defences Against Fake News and Digital Scams
Bandar Seri Begawan, The Gulf Observer: ASEAN member states have been urged to reinforce their collective defences against the growing threats of fake news, digital scams and online misinformation, which continue to undermine public trust, social cohesion and cybersecurity across the region.
The call was made during a regional meeting in Brunei, where officials stressed that the rapid spread of false information and increasingly sophisticated online scams requires stronger cooperation among ASEAN countries, government agencies, technology firms and civil society organizations.
In his welcoming remarks, Brunei’s Permanent Secretary highlighted the need for ASEAN to remain vigilant against the proliferation of disinformation and cyber-enabled fraud, noting that digital threats have become more complex and transnational in nature. He emphasized that regional collaboration, information-sharing and public awareness are essential to protecting citizens and strengthening trust in digital platforms.
The discussions also focused on enhancing digital literacy, improving cybersecurity resilience and developing coordinated strategies to combat online scams and misinformation. Participants underscored the importance of equipping communities with the skills needed to identify fraudulent content and deceptive online practices.
ASEAN has in recent years intensified efforts to address cybercrime and online scams through regional cooperation mechanisms, including anti-scam initiatives, information-sharing frameworks and capacity-building programmes aimed at strengthening member states’ response capabilities.
Officials noted that as digital technologies continue to evolve, ASEAN must adopt a proactive and coordinated approach to counter emerging threats, safeguard its digital ecosystem and ensure a secure and trusted online environment for its citizens.
