Cambodia Targets Misleading Artefact Advertising

via Phom Penh Post, 05 September 2023: The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has issued a warning against the use of archival photographs of national artefacts in online sales, as it could mislead foreign authorities and undermine the nation’s cultural preservation efforts.

According to the notice, recent observations by officials reveal that some traders and online sellers have been advertising art object sales via social media using images of ancient Khmer artefacts in the possession of the ministry.

“Using archival photographs in this manner is a misdemeanour and a deceptive practice that misleads the public,” the notice explicitly states.

“Furthermore, this behaviour may confuse foreign authorities and former owners of private collections of Khmer artefacts repatriated to Cambodia into falsely believing these items are being traded in the open market due to inadequate government protection,” the notice underscored.

Source: Ministry issue legal alert over deceptive online artefact ads | Phnom Penh Post