Liberia Cybercrime Act sparks debate over free speech and public awareness

Liberia’s Cybercrime Act of 2025 has sparked national debate regarding its potential impact on freedom of expression and public awareness. Former Press Union of Liberia President Peter Quaqua has raised concerns that the legislation could grant the state excessive power over private communications and digital speech. He cautioned that provisions related to cyberstalking and harassment might be used to criminalize protected expression, such as journalism or political criticism, effectively bypassing previous reforms that repealed criminal libel and sedition.

Additionally, veteran educator Latim Dathong has called for extensive public education before the law is fully enforced. Dathong warned that without widespread awareness of the law’s specific provisions, many citizens—particularly young social media users—could face prosecution for actions they do not fully understand. This call for education follows the recent arrest of a Liberian citizen in connection with online content involving Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung.