Never against free media, Nazim says over proposed media bill
Nazim refuted claims that he is against media freedom, stating that his remarks on media regulation were misrepresented by some outlets.
Dhiggaru MP and Vice-President of Parliament Ahmed Nazim has refuted claims that he is against media freedom, stating that his remarks on media regulation were misrepresented by some outlets. In a statement issued last night, Nazim clarified that he strongly supports media freedom and has no intention of restricting it.
Nazim, who is preparing to introduce a bill concerning the regulation of the Internet and media, emphasized that his goal is to reform existing institutions rather than interfere with press freedom.
“There are already two institutions responsible for regulating the media in the Maldives,” he pointed out.
“Even the media itself acknowledges that these institutions are not functioning properly. They duplicate state resources without delivering effective results.”
According to Nazim, these two institutions collectively received a budget allocation of MVR 18 million last year. His proposal seeks to address inefficiencies in media oversight rather than curtail journalistic freedom.
Nazim also highlighted the growing influence of social media platforms and the need for a legal framework to address issues such as misinformation and character defamation. However, he reassured the public that his bill does not aim to block platforms or suppress free expression.
“When using social media, people must be aware of the impact their words can have on the dignity and reputation of others,” he said.
“There must be a legal avenue for justice when individuals are harmed by false information.”
Currently, there is no specific law in the Maldives to address such concerns, Nazim noted. He pointed to international examples, such as Ireland’s Online Safety and Media Regulation Act (2022), as a model for responsible digital governance.
Nazim also touched on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital media, stressing the need for laws to protect public interests. He stated that his bill is intended to regulate the spread of unverified rumors on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, ensuring accountability in the digital space.
“It is a bill I am proposing in my own capacity, not a government bill. The draft is in its final stages,” he confirmed.
In response to public concerns, Presidential Spokesperson Heena Waleed reaffirmed the government's commitment to media freedom, stating that it is not government policy to regulate journalism or the internet.
“The government is committed to deregulating the media and promoting a self-regulatory system,” Heena wrote in a post on X. “From day one, our top priority has been to ensure the widest possible media freedom.”
She further clarified that the government has no plans to introduce a bill regulating the press or the internet, nor is such a proposal included in its legislative agenda.
Nazim's clarification highlights his stance as a supporter of media freedom while advocating for reforms in regulatory institutions and legal protections against online misinformation. While his bill aims to address challenges posed by social media and AI, it remains independent of government policy, ensuring that media freedom in the Maldives remains intact.
