Cambodia targets online wildlife trade on social media, but experts say it’s not enough

Cambodia's environment ministry announced it will target social media posts that promote wildlife trade, warning that online sales carry the same penalties as physical trafficking — fines and 5-10 years imprisonment. The announcement follows a June investigation by Earth League International alleging a trafficking network selling rhino horn, ivory, tiger parts and pangolin scales, with tiger meat reportedly served to Cambodian officials and Chinese businessmen at Phnom Penh restaurants.

Experts welcomed the ministry's statement as a first step but said it conveniently targets the smaller, more visible end of the trade. ELI's director said focusing on social media 'gives the idea that the government is paying attention, without too much effort,' while the bigger kingpins identified in the investigation go unmentioned.

Researchers also noted that platforms like Facebook, WeChat and Telegram have repeatedly removed wildlife-trade content only to see sellers migrate to backup accounts within days, meaning takedowns alone accomplish little without sustained enforcement.

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