More than 30 journalists assigned to the Liberian Legislature have completed a specialized training on key proposed laws relating to personal data protection, cybercrime, and freedom of information — critical issues expected to shape the future of media and digital rights in the country.
The daylong orientation, held in Monrovia, was organized by Internews Liberia in collaboration with the Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOOL), the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, and the Independent Information Commission (IIC), with support from the Liberia Media Empowerment Project (LMEP) and funding from the European Union (EU).
The training focused on the draft Personal Data Privacy and Protection Act, the Draft Cybercrime Act, and Liberia’s Freedom of Information Law. Journalists also discussed a proposed Media Self-Regulation Code for handling personal data within newsrooms.
Subject matter experts provided in-depth presentations on the legal frameworks, offering reporters insight into the potential implications of these draft legislations for press freedom, privacy rights, and responsible journalism.
LEGISPOOL Calls for More Capacity Building
In his remarks, LEGISPOOL President Gerald C. Koinyeneh, Jr. commended Internews, the EU, and other partners for supporting the initiative, describing the training as “timely, eye-opening, and a vital opportunity for reporters to enhance their professionalism.”
“This is not just about legislation; it’s about how we report responsibly, particularly on matters involving the personal data of public figures and ordinary citizens,” Koinyeneh said. He encouraged Internews and other stakeholders to provide additional capacity-building opportunities for legislative reporters.
Internews Emphasizes Journalists’ Role in Data Protection
Providing an overview, Samukai V. Konneh, Project Director of the Liberia Media Empowerment Project at Internews Liberia, underscored the significance of personal data, noting that individuals — not even governments — hold ultimate rights over their data.
“This bill relates directly to the work we do as journalists,” Konneh said. He explained that once passed into law, the two draft legislations will clearly define how personal data is protected, how cybercrimes are addressed, and how journalists can responsibly access information through the Freedom of Information Law.
Konneh also announced that as part of the partnership between Internews and LEGISPOOL, small grants will be made available to support investigative reporting, encouraging reporters to submit story ideas for potential funding.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom
S. Mohammed Massaley, Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, dismissed concerns that the draft laws are intended to stifle opposition voices or target the media.
“President Boakai remains committed to protecting free speech, press freedom, and the personal data rights of all Liberians,” Massaley assured.
CEMESP Stresses Importance of Media Awareness
Also speaking, Malcolm W. Joseph, Executive Director of the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), applauded LEGISPOOL for the strong turnout and emphasized the importance of media understanding regarding the evolving landscape of data privacy and cybersecurity.
“These proposed laws are not isolated; they are part of a global conversation on how societies manage information, privacy, and digital rights,” Joseph noted.
