HRCM warns media bill will restrict free expression
The HRCM stated that the legislation would prevent the government from being held accountable by obstructing independent journalism.
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The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has raised concerns that the proposed state-controlled media bill would restrict freedom of expression and press freedom, contrary to international standards.
In a paper submitted to the parliamentary committee studying the bill, the HRCM stated that the legislation would prevent the government from being held accountable by obstructing independent journalism. The commission proposed 20 amendments.
The HRCM’s main concern is the proposed merger of the Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) and the Media Council. The commission also noted that the bill would bring bloggers and online content creators under state oversight, requiring registration, licensing, and regulation.
According to the HRCM, such practices would conflict with international norms, which recognise freedom of expression as a foundation of democratic society.
The commission highlighted that:
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Broadcast and print media operate under different structures in democratic countries.
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These systems are not regulated by a single code of conduct under one commission.
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International standards emphasise broad protection of free expression to ensure government accountability.
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In the UK, print media is overseen by independent bodies such as IPSO, while in the US, Canada, and the EU, online expression is recognised as part of free expression without licensing or registration requirements.
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In those countries, broadcast media is regulated by state bodies, while print media follows self-regulatory systems.
The HRCM also referred to standards set by the UN Human Rights Committee and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which discourage compulsory licensing or registration for content creators.
The HRCM advised that regulation by a government-linked body should apply only to broadcasting. Print and digital media, it suggested, should remain self-regulated to maintain independence.
The commission proposed that the Broadcasting Act be amended to strengthen broadcast regulation while keeping print and online platforms outside direct state control.
