More than 30 journalists assigned at the Liberian Legislature have benefited from a specialized training on the Draft Data Privacy, and Cybercrime Laws.
The training which was hosted by Internews, LEGISPOOL and Its Partners, brought together Journalists from different media institutions in Monrovia on June 25, 2025.
It aims to boost journalists’ understanding of proposed laws on Privacy, Cyber security, and the Freedom of Information law.
Providing an overview of the training, Mr. 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.
For her part, the Legislative Press Pool
(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.
In remarks, 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.
Also speaking, Malcolm 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.
Meanwhile journalist at the closure of the workshop appreciated Internews, LEGISPOOL and it Partners for the initiative whilst terming it as timely.
