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Government Agency Reports Processing Over 1.18 Billion Messages in Anti-Fake News Campaign
The Anti-Fake News Center (AFNC) has processed more than 1.18 billion messages between November 2019 and July 31, 2025, with approximately 2.3 million flagged as suspicious and subjected to further investigation, according to recent data released by the agency.
In a comprehensive breakdown of their monitoring activities, officials revealed that 41,882 cases underwent detailed examination across multiple sectors including government policy, national security, health news, economics, online crime, and disaster reporting. The investigations yielded mixed results: 7,714 messages were confirmed as false, 8,577 were verified as accurate, 2,456 were classified as misleading, and 2,875 lacked sufficient information for a definitive determination.
Prasert, a government spokesperson addressing the findings, highlighted the administration’s growing concern regarding the societal and economic impact of misinformation. The government has placed particular emphasis on combating content that deliberately distorts facts, misleads the public, or potentially incites violence.
“False information doesn’t just confuse citizens—it can disrupt markets, damage business confidence, and in some cases, threaten public safety,” said Prasert during the briefing. “We’re seeing increasing sophistication in how misinformation spreads across platforms.”
The AFNC has evolved beyond simply identifying and blocking false content. Officials described the center’s expanded mission to actively clarify factual information for the public, working in partnership with major social media platforms to prevent the spread of harmful misinformation. This collaborative approach has become especially crucial when addressing content that might affect national security or create public panic.
Industry analysts note that Thailand’s efforts mirror a global trend of governments establishing dedicated units to combat misinformation. Similar initiatives have emerged across Southeast Asia, though with varying approaches to enforcement and transparency.
The Thai government’s approach includes legal consequences for those creating or sharing false information. Prasert issued a stern warning about the penalties associated with importing or distorting data within computer systems, including the fabrication or sharing of false news. Such activities fall under Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act, which carries significant penalties including imprisonment for up to five years, fines of up to 100,000 baht (approximately $3,200), or both. Notably, these offenses are non-compoundable, meaning they cannot be settled out of court.
Digital rights advocates have expressed concerns about potential overreach in the application of such laws. They emphasize the importance of distinguishing between deliberate disinformation campaigns and legitimate expression or reporting that may contain errors.
The scale of the AFNC’s operation—processing over a billion messages—underscores the magnitude of content monitoring in today’s digital landscape. While only about 0.2% of all messages were flagged as suspicious, the volume represents significant resources dedicated to content verification.
Economic sectors particularly vulnerable to fake news include financial markets, tourism, and public health—areas where false information can trigger immediate market reactions or alter consumer behavior. During health crises, for instance, misinformation about treatments or preventive measures has led to documented public health challenges.
As digital platforms continue to evolve and artificial intelligence makes sophisticated fake content easier to produce, the AFNC and similar agencies worldwide face growing challenges in distinguishing genuine information from fabricated content. The center’s data suggests a need for continued vigilance and adaptation of monitoring techniques to keep pace with emerging forms of misinformation.
The government has indicated plans to enhance public media literacy programs alongside enforcement efforts, recognizing that educated consumers of information represent a critical first line of defense against the spread of false content.
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12 Comments
Strengthening measures against fake news is crucial for maintaining public trust. The AFNC’s efforts to process and investigate over 1 billion messages are commendable. However, the mixed results highlight the complexity of the problem and the need for continued vigilance.
Agreed. Identifying and addressing misinformation is an ongoing challenge that requires a comprehensive approach. Transparency around the agency’s findings is important for public understanding.
The government’s focus on strengthening measures against fake news through the AFNC is a positive development. Maintaining public trust and combating content that can incite violence or disrupt the economy is crucial. The large volume of messages processed and the mixed results underscore the complexity of the problem.
Appreciate the transparency in sharing the AFNC’s findings. Continued collaboration between the government, tech companies, and the public will be essential in effectively addressing the challenge of fake news and misinformation.
It’s good to see the government taking concrete steps to address the growing problem of fake news. The large volume of messages processed by the AFNC underscores the scale of the challenge.
Verifying the accuracy of information is crucial, but the mixed results also highlight the difficulty in definitively classifying certain content. Continued refinement of the agency’s processes will be important.
The government’s focus on combating misinformation that can impact national security, public health, and the economy is understandable. The AFNC’s efforts to investigate over 1 billion messages are commendable, though the mixed results show there’s still work to be done.
Interested to see how the government plans to further strengthen the AFNC’s capabilities and coordination with other agencies to address this complex issue effectively.
Combating fake news and misinformation that can incite violence or disrupt the economy is a priority for the government. The AFNC’s data-driven approach seems like a step in the right direction.
Curious to see how the government plans to further strengthen these measures. Effective enforcement and public education will be key to tackling this persistent issue.
Tackling fake news and misinformation is a critical challenge for governments worldwide. The AFNC’s data-driven approach to monitoring and investigating suspicious content is a step in the right direction, but the mixed results highlight the need for continued refinement and improvement.
Curious to learn more about the specific measures the government plans to implement to enhance the AFNC’s effectiveness and public engagement efforts to combat the spread of false information.