By Linus Flomo
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, in partnership with Internews and supported by the European Union under the Liberia Media Empowerment Project, convened a high-level stakeholder review and validation session for the draft Personal Data Privacy and Protection Bill.
The session, held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Monrovia attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, legal experts, civil society representatives, and members of the private sector.
The event marked an important milestone in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to create a comprehensive legal framework to safeguard personal data in an increasingly digital world. Sekou M. Kromah, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, opened the session with a strong call for robust data protection laws to protect the privacy of citizens.
“As Liberia moves towards greater digitalization, it is imperative that we establish a legal framework that not only complies with international standards but also fosters public trust by safeguarding the personal data of our citizens,” Minister Kromah said. “This legislation is not simply about meeting legal requirements; it’s about empowering individuals and ensuring that their personal information is secured.”
The draft legislation under review seeks to set clear guidelines for the collection, processing, and storage of personal data by organizations, both public and private. It aims to grant individuals greater control over their data and hold entities accountable for any misuse or breach of personal information.
In particular, the legislation focuses on enhancing transparency, outlining the rights of data subjects, and establishing penalties for violations.
During the review session, participants engaged in a detailed discussion on the specifics of the draft, offering insights and suggestions aimed at strengthening its provisions.
Data privacy experts, legal practitioners, and civil society representatives highlighted key areas of concern, including the need for clearer definitions of personal data, as well as stronger measures to protect vulnerable groups.
Samuel V. Konneh, Project Director of the Liberia Media Empowerment Project at Internews, underscored the crucial role of the media in raising awareness about data protection.
“The media is essential in educating the public about their rights and the importance of safeguarding their personal information,” Konneh stated. “Through continued engagement and outreach, we can ensure that Liberians are well-informed about their privacy rights.”
The session was a platform for constructive dialogue, with participants agreeing to continue working collaboratively towards finalizing the legislation.
Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, stakeholders committed to ensuring that the final draft not only meets international best practices but also reflects Liberia’s unique social, economic, and technological context.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications plans to integrate the feedback from the session into the final draft of the legislation before presenting it to the Legislature for formal consideration. This process is expected to take several months as stakeholders work together to refine the bill.
The development of this legislation is part of the government’s broader commitment to strengthening data privacy safeguards and protecting the rights of citizens in the face of rapid technological change.
