Liberian educator Latim Dathong has called for a nationwide campaign to teach citizens about Liberia’s Cybercrime Law before its full enforcement. His plea, made public on 28 September 2026, stresses the need for education on the law’s provisions, penalties, and scope to prevent unintended violations.
Dathong highlighted the lack of public knowledge surrounding the law. “How many Liberians know that a cybercrime law exists? How many understand the specific provisions of the law? How many know what actions could constitute cybercrime? And how many understand the potential consequences of violating the law?” he asked.
The educational outreach he proposes would target schools, universities, communities, places of worship, businesses, and social media platforms, aiming to build widespread understanding across Liberian society. “We must educate our people,” Dathong insisted, praising Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung for showing leadership and compassion during recent related events.
The debate around this law has intensified since the arrest of Jerry Nyantee Wrotto, who was detained over allegedly AI-manipulated content involving Vice President Koung. Koung publicly called for Wrotto’s release on 21 September, stating, “I contacted the Inspector General of Police, who confirmed that the arrest was made under Liberia’s Cybercrime Law,” but emphasising he did not want to pursue charges simply for creating or sharing the content.
Reports indicate that Liberia’s Cybercrime Act includes offences such as unauthorised access to data, unlawful interception, computer-related fraud, identity theft, cyberstalking, and distribution of harmful data messages. The law’s enforcement intersects with constitutional protections, specifically Article 15, which guarantees freedom of expression while holding individuals accountable for abuses of that freedom.
This intersection has led to a constitutional challenge over the law’s scope and application. Media reports from 25 September highlight ongoing debates about balancing digital crime control and preserving free speech rights.
Dathong urged stakeholders to use the Wrotto case as an educational moment rather than a purely punitive one: “Let’s use this moment to educate,” he said, advocating for a proactive rather than reactive approach to cyberspace regulation.
While the exact legal outcome of Wrotto’s case remains unclear pending verification of court documents and police records, the incident spotlights the need for clarity and public understanding of digital laws in Liberia.
CapeFlats.co.za will continue monitoring this developing story for official updates on legal proceedings and government responses.