President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, now in effect.
The legislation, passed by the Majlis with 60 votes in favour and one against, merges the Maldives Media Council and Broadcasting Commission into a single regulator — the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. Until it is established, an interim five-member committee appointed by the Civil Service Commission will oversee its work.
The Act introduces new safeguards to strengthen independence, accountability and press freedom.
Presidential involvement in appointing or dismissing commission members has been removed, and punitive measures against individual journalists have been scrapped. Media outlets are now required to follow stricter ethical standards and ensure accurate, transparent reporting.
The commission’s mandate also expands to prohibit anti-Islamic speech, morally degrading material, and content promoting fascism.
Officials say the law modernises media regulation, balancing journalists’ rights with professional responsibility. Parliament’s Counsel General has affirmed it does not infringe the Constitution or fundamental rights.
