Nazim to propose bill for media, internet regulation
In response, presidential spokesperson Heena reiterated that the government has no plans to regulate the press or internet.
Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim has announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at regulating internet usage and media operations in the Maldives.
The Dhiggaru MP, representing the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), stated that the bill is being prepared independently and is not part of the government’s legislative agenda.
Nazim clarified in an interview with Atoll Times on Sunday that the proposed legislation seeks to establish a legal framework to address the spread of unverified information on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.
“It is a bill I am proposing in my own capacity, not a government bill. The bill is being prepared and is now in its final stages,” Nazim said.
He added that he plans to introduce the bill during the first parliamentary sitting, which is set to begin next Thursday.
In an interview with SSTV on Saturday, Nazim shared details about the proposed legislation:
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The bill is modelled on the concept of a multi-media council, similar to frameworks in countries like Malaysia.
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It advocates merging the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission into a single body.
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He emphasised the need to regulate media content, noting, “It’s become very personal, and you see content on TV that cannot be watched comfortably with family members.”
The announcement comes amidst speculation that the government intends to regulate social media platforms, which the administration has denied.
However, presidential spokesperson Heena Waleed responded to the rumours in a post on X on Sunday, reiterating that the government has no plans to regulate the press or internet. She clarified:
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The government’s policy prioritises media deregulation and the promotion of a self-regulatory system.
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The administration has aimed to ensure the widest possible freedom for the media.
“The government is not making any effort to introduce a bill to regulate journalism and the internet. Such a bill is not included in the government’s legislative agenda,” she wrote.
The announcement follows previous attempts by PNC MPs to introduce media regulation. Earlier, MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar proposed a bill to establish a media regulatory commission under government control. However, following strong opposition from journalists and media organisations, the bill was withdrawn before a vote.
Rumours about potential bans on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and X have also surfaced but were dismissed by government officials.
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