Maldives Ensuring Free Speech and Upholding Press Freedom

The Maldivian government has expressed a firm commitment to maintaining a free, independent and responsible media.

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President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu greeting citizens

Despite concerns regarding regulating social media through the recently passed Maldives Media Bill, government officials affirm that the Bill would only regulate registered media outlets and not social media activities of citizens or content creators.

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, is framed as a critical piece of legislation designed to foster and uphold press freedom, prevent the dissemination of false news, and ensure the responsible exercise of constitutional rights within the nation's media landscape. Its proponents maintain that it is a crucial step towards a more accountable yet thriving journalistic environment for the Maldives.

While explaining the scope of the Bill, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Ibrahim Waheed refuted 'untrue claims' from the Opposition to the effect that the Bil aims to control people's social media use and content creation.

He also highlighted the extensive consultation process, noting that he had listened to and addressed journalists' concerns by amending the bill in collaboration with the Attorney General. Endorsing the bill, several journalists affirmed that the current landscape offers more opportunities for independent journalism than ever before. One editor with over three decades of media experience stressed the importance of journalistic responsibility and respecting human dignity, arguing that monitoring media for this purpose does not equate to a deprivation of press freedom.