Regulations have been enacted under the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act granting the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) the authority to take action against media outlets that repeatedly violate established rules and standards.
The Commission gazetted a regulation titled “Regulation on the Investigation of Complaints and Cases Submitted to the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission and the Imposition of Measures.”
According to MMBC, this regulation sets out the procedures to be followed in investigating complaints and cases submitted under the Maldives Media and Broadcasting regulatory framework. It also defines the steps the Commission can take in accordance with the law. Additionally, the regulation establishes clear procedures for receiving complaints and handling cases, ensuring that investigations are conducted within a fair and transparent system.
Under this regulation, the Commission is empowered to impose fines ranging from USD 3,235 to USD 16,173 on broadcasters who repeatedly commit violations. Furthermore, in cases where content is deemed harmful to Islam, national security, public order, or public health, the Commission has the authority, through relevant state institutions to halt the broadcasting of such content. It may also, with a court order and in coordination with law enforcement, seize equipment used to provide broadcasting services.
For newspapers and magazines, if unlawful content is repeatedly published, fines ranging from USD 323 to USD 6,469 may be imposed. Similarly, if such publications contain material considered harmful to Islam, national security, public order, or public health, the Commission can act through relevant authorities to stop its dissemination.
The regulation also grants the Commission authority to take action against individuals working in the media. These actions include requiring corrections, issuing public apologies, publishing corrections of errors, or retracting published content. If such measures are not complied with, the Commission has the discretion to impose stricter penalties.
Additionally, the Commission is required to maintain a record of parties against whom action has been taken. The regulation comes into force upon its publication in the Government Gazette.