Internews Liberia on Wednesday, June 25, trained more than 30 journalists covering the 55th Legislature.
The journalists completed a specialized training on key proposed laws relating to personal data protection, cybercrime, and freedom of information (FoI).
These are critical issues shaping the future of media and digital rights in the country.
The initiative also aims to boost Liberian journalists understanding of proposed laws on privacy, cybersecurity, and the FoI.
The day-long 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).
European Union (EU) funded the media project.
The training focused on the draft personal data privacy and protection Act, the draft of Cybercrime Act, and the FoI Law.
Participants also discussed a proposed Media Self-Regulation Code for handling personal data in 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, meanwhile, called for more capacity building.
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.
Samukai V. Konneh, Internews Project Director for the country Media Empowerment, underscored the significance of personal data, noting that individuals, not even government, hold ultimate rights over their data.
“This bill relates directly to the work we do as journalists,” Konneh said.
He said, 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 FoI Law.
As part of the partnership between Internews and LEGISPOOL, Konneh announced that small grants will be made available to support investigative reporting, encouraging reporters to submit story ideas for potential funding.
Government Reaffirming its commitment to Press Freedom
Deputy Postal Affairs Minister for Technical Services, S. Mohammed Massaley, dismissed concerns that the draft laws are intended to smother opposition voices or target the media.
CEMESP Executive Director, Malcolm W. Joseph, applauded LEGISPOOL for the overwhelming turnout of journalists for the training.
Joseph spoke on the importance of media understanding regarding the evolving landscape of data privacy and cybersecurity.