BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MEDIA FOR AFRICA

Liberia's industry regulator to be investigated

Liberia's industry regulator to be investigated
Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
18 Jun 2019

Liberia's government has confirmed its intention to investigate the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA) after complaints of an internet and social media shutdown during recent civil protest action.

Locals took to the streets of Monrovia on 7 June 2019 to protest corruption and economic decline.

Following a complaint lodged by Grand Bassa County District 5 representative Thomas Goshua, the House of Representatives has instructed its Committee on Posts and Telecommunications to investigate the regulator.

The twelve-hour shutdown is understood to have incurred a loss among ISPs and the government of an estimated US$109, 913 in revenue.

The Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism said the national security apparatus had informed the government that there were threats to the country on that day and admitted that online and social media platforms were blocked "because of security concerns."

Recommended

Senator Sando Johnson of Bomi County was quoted by the Daily Observer newspaper as saying: "Access to information and exercising freedom of expression-especially in times of protest-is essential to help journalism, human rights defenders and demonstrators to access life-saving information and enable family and friends to stay connected," said Johnson.

The Committee on Posts and Telecommunication is expected to provide feedback within two weeks.

It is unclear as to what further action could be taken post-feedback.

The LTA had not responded to media queries at the time of publishing.

Share

Read more
ITWeb proudly displays the “FAIR” stamp of the Press Council of South Africa, indicating our commitment to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Print and online media which prescribes that our reportage is truthful, accurate and fair. Should you wish to lodge a complaint about our news coverage, please lodge a complaint on the Press Council’s website, www.presscouncil.org.za or email the complaint to enquiries@ombudsman.org.za. Contact the Press Council on 011 484 3612.
Copyright @ 1996 - 2025 ITWeb Limited. All rights reserved.