Archive · 19 Sep 2025
Maldives' New Media Law Sparks Controversy, Faces Challenges
The Maldives government passed a new media law, which is causing conflict.
The law allows a commission to oversee media, potentially leading to fines, suspensions, and closures of media outlets.
Journalists fear this will limit their freedom, as they believe the government will control the commission.
They plan to challenge the law in court, while the government says it aims to modernize media oversight and ensure professional standards.
The law's impact may be limited, since many outlets are inactive.
The country’s press freedom ranking has fallen.
The Maldives government enacted a new media law, sparking controversy.
The law establishes a commission with broad powers over media and broadcasters.
The law allows for fines against individual journalists and media outlets.
Journalists and opposition figures criticize the law as a threat to press freedom.
The Maldives Journalists Association plans to challenge the law in court.
- Who
- Maldives Journalists Association (MJA)
- What
- New media law enacted, prompting legal challenge
- When
- September 2025
- Where
- Maldives
- Why
- Journalists seek to repeal law seen as restricting media freedom
Journalists' Perspective
Government's Perspective
Media Control
Journalists' Perspective
Media should be self-regulated and free from state control.
Government's Perspective
The law strengthens media accountability and unifies oversight under an independent commission.
Freedom of Expression
Journalists' Perspective
The law could be used to silence critical reporting and limit free speech.
Government's Perspective
The law strengthens freedom of expression, ensures transparency, and sets clear professional standards.
- Country
- Maldives
- Law Name
- Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act
- Individual Journalist Fine
- Up to $1,620
- Media Outlet Fine
- Up to $6,500
- Overseeing Body
- Media and Broadcasting Commission
- Journalists' Response
- Appeal to Supreme Court
- World Press Freedom Rank
- 104 (2025)
