Media Council Recommends Blocking News Website Over “Socially Unacceptable” Content
The Maldives Media Council (MMC) has recommended that the government block the news website dhenme.com, citing repeated dissemination of content deemed socially unacceptable by the council.
Following an investigation into the website’s use of inappropriate language and material in violation of the Maldives Media Code of Conduct, the MMC has requested the relevant authorities to take action.
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ދެންމެ ވެބްސައިޓުން އާންމު އިޖުތިމާއީ މިންގަޑާ ޚިލާފު ކޮންޓެންޓް އާންމުކުރާ މައްސަލަ ނިންމިގޮތުގެ ރިޕޯޓު https://t.co/tXAVbRQPtP pic.twitter.com/YMfnUUoiAt— Maldives Media Council (@mmc_mv) August 1, 2024
The council received complaints about dhenme.com last year, prompting an initial inquiry. After an announcement calling for the cessation of publishing such content, the website temporarily complied by removing offensive material. However, it resumed posting similar content this year, leading to further complaints.
In its recent inquiry initiated last month, the MMC found that the website violated Article 15 of its code of conduct, which prohibits journalists from posting content depicting nudity, describing sexual acts, or encouraging sexual activities. The investigation also revealed breaches of Article 16, which advises against the use of derogatory language that contravenes social standards.
The MMC’s report noted that dhenme.com published articles that contravened these guidelines almost daily during the inquiry period. The report included a list of 13 articles posted in July that breached the code of ethics.
Additionally, the council highlighted that dhenme.com is not registered as a news organisation. The MMC has been unable to verify the ownership or responsible parties behind the website’s content. In its announcement last year, the MMC urged members of the public with knowledge of the website’s ownership to come forward with information.
