President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, formally enacting it into law as Act No. 16/2025.
The legislation, passed at the People’s Majlis Sixth Special Session on September 16, aims to promote a free and independent media environment while safeguarding press freedom. It also seeks to curb the spread of misinformation and establish fair and transparent mechanisms to uphold constitutional guarantees for journalists and media professionals.
Key provisions of the Act include streamlined registration procedures for media outlets and the creation of a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee both print and broadcast media.
With the enactment of the law, the Maldives Media Council—established under the Newspapers and Magazines Act (Act No. 47/78) and the Maldives Media Council Act (Act No. 15/2008)—will be dissolved. The Maldives Broadcasting Commission, formed under the Broadcasting Act (Act No. 16/2010), will be reconstituted as the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
The government has stated that the changes bring media regulation in the Maldives in line with international standards while balancing the rights and responsibilities of journalists.
The legislation, passed at the People’s Majlis Sixth Special Session on September 16, aims to promote a free and independent media environment while safeguarding press freedom. It also seeks to curb the spread of misinformation and establish fair and transparent mechanisms to uphold constitutional guarantees for journalists and media professionals.
Key provisions of the Act include streamlined registration procedures for media outlets and the creation of a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee both print and broadcast media.
With the enactment of the law, the Maldives Media Council—established under the Newspapers and Magazines Act (Act No. 47/78) and the Maldives Media Council Act (Act No. 15/2008)—will be dissolved. The Maldives Broadcasting Commission, formed under the Broadcasting Act (Act No. 16/2010), will be reconstituted as the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
The government has stated that the changes bring media regulation in the Maldives in line with international standards while balancing the rights and responsibilities of journalists.
