NBC Rejects Fake AI-Generated Riel Banknote Videos -…

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has issued a formal rejection of disinformation videos circulating on social media that falsely claim a new series of riel banknotes has entered circulation. The bank identified these deceptive posts, which featured AI-generated images of fabricated currency designs, appearing primarily on TikTok and other platforms.

What happened

On August 2, 2024, the National Bank of Cambodia addressed the spread of manipulated digital content that misled the public regarding the country's currency. The disinformation campaign utilized AI-generated imagery to create convincing but entirely fake bank designs, masquerading as official announcements.

In response to the incident, the NBC strongly condemned the creators behind the fabrication and confirmed that it is currently collaborating with relevant authorities to pursue legal action. The bank has urged citizens to refrain from sharing or spreading the false information and advised the public to rely exclusively on official NBC channels to verify any news regarding national banknotes. This event follows a previous incident in mid-May, where the bank warned against the unauthorized use of riel banknote imagery in graphic designs, labeling such actions as an insult to national values. The NBC continues to emphasize the importance of properly handling currency and maintaining the integrity of the national tender.