Liberia: Senator Dopoh Backs Enforcement of Cybercrimes Law, Advances Recommendations For Smooth Implementation

Senator Francis Dopoh

MONROVIA – As political debate intensifies among officials of the Unity Party(UP)- led Government and opposition politicians on the new Cybercrime Act of 2025, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Posts and Telecommunications Senator Francis Dopoh has outlined the significance of the legislation and proffered recommendations to prevent persistent and deliberate violations of the law in Liberia.

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***By Obediah Johnson ***

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The Cybercrime law was introduced in the 54th National Legislature during the administration of ex-President George Manneh Weah. It was passed by the House of Representatives on September 28, 2023 and the Senate on November 20, 2025.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai approved the Act on July 3, 2026. In early August this year, the law was printed into handbill by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in keeping with the 1986 Liberian constitution.

The Constitution is regarded as the organic law of the land. Senator Dopoh disclosed that the Act is intended to protect citizens and others’ money, including mobile money, bank accounts and online payments, from fraud and scams.

He disclosed that it also seeks to protect women, girls and children from online threats, blackmail and the sharing of private images without consent.

According to him, the new Cybercrime law safeguards the banks, telecoms, utilities and hospitals that keep the country running. Senator Dopoh said the law would build the needed trust that would attract investment and create jobs in the country.

He added that the new legislation would also strengthen the stability of the Liberian society.

“From first reading to approval, this law took more than four years of deliberation. On free speech, let me be clear: this law has no intent to silence free speech.”

Senator Dopoh emphasized that the law is not aimed at honest opinion, criticism of government, journalism or peaceful dissent. According to him, it (Cybercrime law) targets threats of violence, harassment, incitement to violence, fraud and the exploitation of children.

He stressed that it would protect people who report cybersecurity violations in good faith, and it requires that prosecutions follow human rights standards.

Senator Dopoh, however, called on the executive branch, especially the implementing agencies of the law, to issue a Presidential Order designating a Critical National Information Infrastructure.

The existing cybercrime framework places important responsibilities on the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Ministry of Justice, law-enforcement and security institutions and the national cybersecurity structures.

The framework provides for coordination between relevant agencies in preventing and combating cybercrimes. He noted that the executive should set up the Liberia National Cybersecurity Center (LNCC) and the Liberia Cybersecurity Emergency Response Team (LCERT), with a 24/7 contact point.

He said government should also issue clear guidance and train officers so the law is applied fairly. Senator Dopoh further stressed the need for the publication of the regulations the Act requires within its six-to-twelve-month timeline and the provision of dedicated funding towards the full implementation of the law.

He called for the launch of a national awareness campaign of the law in plain language, to enable every Liberian know their rights and responsibilities. He further called on Liberians to also play their part by learning the new Cybercrime law, use the internet responsibly, and report abuse.

“This law is here to protect you, your family and your livelihood. Let us build a Liberia where every person can go online safely, do business with confidence, and speak their mind without fear of threats.”

Critics and opposition politicians, including the political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC) Alexander Cummings have raised serious concerns over the passage and enforcement of the new Cybercrime Act of Liberia.

According to them, the Act is intended to clampdown on freedom of expression, freedom of the press, protection of journalists and political criticisms.

They argued that the law seeks to evade privacy and confidentiality and would deprive critics from due process guaranteed by the constitution. They also expressed concerns over a risk of overly broad enforcement of the law by state actors to go after dissent.

Opposition politicians feared that the law would be used at a political weapon against them by government.

On the other hand, supporters of the law justified that it is intended to combat online fraud and protect victims of cyber bullying. According to them, the law would help prevent harmful Artificial Intelligence-generated content and protect citizens from digital abuse.