Status regarding Budapest Convention
Status : NA Declarations and reservations : N/A See legal profileCybercrime policies/strategies
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has developed the National Telecommunications and ICT Policy 2010-2015. The development of effective mechanisms to combat cybercrime is among the priorities described in the document. An ICT Policy for the period 2017-2021 is under discussion in the country.
The National Telecommunications and ICT Policy 2010-2015 identifies cybercrime as an important threat to the development of the Information Society in Liberia. The defined objective of the document with regard to cybercrime is the establishment of a legal framework in line with existing regional instruments and closer cooperation with the ECOWAS countries. The Budapest Convention is mentioned in the document as a major standard for the development of such a regulatory text.
Cybercrime legislation
State of cybercrime legislation
Liberia has no legislation on cybercrime. The Penal Code of Liberia was established in 1978 and contains no provisions related to cybercrime.
The main legal text in the Republic of Liberia relating to Information Society is the Telecommunications Act 2007. The Act establishes a legal framework in the telecommunications sector. However, this framework does not include elements related to cybercrime.
Liberia has no legislation on privacy and data protection.
Substantive law
Substantive law offences corresponding to all relevant provisions of the Budapest Convention are included in articles 76 and 77 from the Telecommunications Act 2007.
Procedural law
The Telecommunications Act 2007 provides for limited implementation of procedural powers corresponding to production orders and search/seizure (article 79).
Related laws and regulations
In the area of child online protection, the Act to establish a Children’s Law in Liberia was developed in 2011. Section 21 of the Act identifies the right of a child to be protected from abuse and exploitation. The section does not mention the online environment.
In 2002, a new Electronic Transaction Law was adopted.
Specialised institutions
International cooperation
Jurisprudence/case law
These profiles do not necessarily reflect official positions of the States covered or of the Council of Europe.
Are you aware of the latest legislative or policy developments on cybercrime and electronic evidence?
Share this information with us helping to keep this platform up to date.
- Cybercrime website
- Template: Mutual Legal Assistance Request for subscriber information (Art. 31 Budapest Convention). English and bilingual versions available.
- Template: Data Preservation Request (Articles 29 and 30 Budapest Convention). English and bilingual versions available.