‘Teach Before You Punish’ – Dathong Demands Cybercrime Law Awareness Amid Koung Controversy

MONROVIA — Veteran Liberian educator and former Deputy Education Minister for Administration, Amb. Latim Dathong is calling on the government to intensify public education on Liberia’s new Cybercrime Law, warning that enforcement without adequate awareness could expose thousands of Liberians—particularly young social media users—to prosecution for conduct they may not fully understand.

Dathong, founder and board chairman of Starz University, made the call amid renewed national debate over the law following the arrest of a young Liberian over online content involving Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung.

In a weekend Facebook post titled, “The Cybercrime Law Must Be Taught Before It Is Fully Enforced,” Dathong acknowledged the growing risks associated with cybercrime as Liberia becomes increasingly dependent on smartphones, social media, mobile money, online banking and other digital platforms.

But he argued that the passage of a law is not enough if the people expected to comply with it are unfamiliar with its provisions.

“But there is an important question we must ask: how many Liberians know that a cybercrime law exists?” Dathong asked. “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 said those questions should be central to the government’s approach as enforcement of the legislation takes shape.

‘We Must Educate Our People’

Dathong called for an extensive nationwide awareness campaign to accompany enforcement of the law, arguing that citizens must first be given practical information about what the legislation prohibits and the rights and responsibilities it creates.

Liberia’s Cybercrime Law has emerged as a subject of broader debate over online conduct, criminal accountability and freedom of expression.

Supporters of cybercrime legislation point to the need to protect individuals, businesses and public institutions from digital threats. Critics and some legal and political figures, however, have raised concerns about how certain provisions could be interpreted and enforced.

The debate intensified following the arrest of a young Liberian in connection with an allegedly manipulated or AI-generated image involving Vice President Koung.

Koung subsequently called publicly for the young man’s release, saying he had no desire to press charges against him. The episode also triggered a separate legal discussion over the authority and procedures governing the release of a person already in police custody.

For Dathong, however, the controversy should extend beyond the individual case.

He said it presents an opportunity to examine whether Liberians have been adequately informed about conduct that could expose them to criminal liability online.

Dathong expressed particular concern about young Liberians who spend significant time on social media and other digital platforms but may have limited knowledge of the legal consequences of certain online activities.

He urged the government to take public education about the law to schools, universities, communities, churches, mosques and businesses, while also using social media platforms to reach young people.

The law, he said, should be explained in simple language so citizens can understand both their obligations and protections under it.

Koung’s Intervention

Dathong also commended Vice President Koung for calling for the release of the young Liberian whose case helped reignite the national discussion.

“I believe the Vice President demonstrated leadership, compassion and an understanding of the bigger picture,” Dathong said.

He argued that Koung’s intervention provides an opportunity for a broader national conversation about how new laws are introduced and enforced, particularly where citizens may not yet fully understand their provisions.

According to Dathong, policymakers should use the controversy to assess whether sufficient resources have been devoted to educating the public before expecting widespread compliance.

He said the responsibility is especially important when dealing with young people.

“Let’s use this moment to educate,” Dathong said. “We should not interpret this as saying that cybercrime laws should not be enforced. They must be enforced. Cybercrime can cause serious harm to individuals, businesses, government and the country.”

But he maintained that enforcement and public education should proceed together.

Dathong urged the government to use the controversy to launch a broader campaign on cybercrime, digital responsibility and citizens’ obligations under the law, rather than allowing public awareness to develop primarily through police investigations and prosecutions.

“Let us protect our country, enforce our laws, and educate our people,” he said.

“And I commend Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung for giving us an opportunity to have this important national conversation,” Dathong added. “Before we punish people for breaking a law they may not understand, let us make sure we have done our part to teach them what the law says.”