The Parliament has passed significant amendments to the Copyright and Related Rights Act.

The bill, introduced by Nilandhoo’s member of Parliament, Fathimath Sauda on behalf of the Government, was approved with 57 lawmakers voting in favour. The amendments were refined by the Economic Committee before the final vote.

The updated act extends copyright protections to a broader range of works, including penal and technical products, performances, voice recordings, and broadcasts produced within the country. It prohibits the reproduction or distribution of copyrighted works without the owner’s permission, though exceptions are allowed for educational purposes.

The amendment grants copyright owners the right to pursue legal action against violations. This includes the ability to seek injunctions and claim compensation for damages caused by unauthorised use.

Notably, the duration of copyright protection has been extended from 50 years to 70 years. Penalties for copyright infringement have also been revised, with violators facing fines ranging from MVR 10,000 to MVR 100,000 for minor offences. For more serious breaches, fines between MVR 50,000 and MVR 300,000 may be imposed.