President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, bringing the legislation into effect as Act No. 16/2025.

The bill was approved by the People’s Majlis on 16 September during its 7th Special Session, with 60 members voting in favour and one against.

Originally submitted by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, the bill introduces a new legal framework to regulate the media sector. It provides procedures for the registration and oversight of media outlets, and outlines responsibilities intended to protect press freedom while ensuring accountability. The Act also consolidates the existing Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission into a single body; the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. Until the new commission is established, its functions will be carried out by a five-member interim committee appointed by the Civil Service Commission.

Fourteen amendments proposed by the Government were adopted prior to the bill’s passage. These included revisions to Article 7, which expand the commission’s mandate to prohibit anti-Islamic speech, morally degrading material, and content promoting fascism. Articles 17, 18(f), 19 and 20 were also amended to ensure that the President has no role in the appointment or dismissal of commission members, while Articles 28 and 39 were strengthened to require media outlets to uphold higher ethical standards and ensure transparent, accurate reporting.

Further safeguards were introduced to reinforce accountability and independence. Article 21 establishes fair procedures for the removal of commission members, while Article 41 now sets disclosure standards designed to protect individual liberties. Article 42 provides a framework for disclosure of information in the public interest. The legislation also introduces criteria for editors under Article 44 and removes Section 67, which previously allowed punitive measures against individual journalists. In addition, the Act requires an annual budget allocation for the new commission and broadens the definition of electronic media in line with current industry practices.

Officials stated that the Act establishes a modern regulatory framework aimed at safeguarding press freedom while addressing challenges such as misinformation and accountability, with provisions designed to balance the rights of journalists and their professional responsibilities. The Counsel General of Parliament, Uza Fathimath Filza, had earlier affirmed that the legislation does not contravene the Constitution or infringe fundamental rights.