MMBC Gazettes New Media Registration Regulation, Restricts Publication of Sexual Content 

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has gazetted a new Regulation on the Registration of Newspapers and Magazines, introducing new provisions that restrict the publication of images or audio depicting sexual acts, according to a press release issued by the Commission. 

The regulation, which comes into force immediately upon publication in the Government Gazette, establishes procedures for the registration and operation of newspapers and magazines under Act No. 16/2025 (Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act). The MMBC was established last year following the implementation of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act. The newly introduced media registration guidelines mark the first time the Commission has formulated and published comprehensive regulations. 

The MMBC has included, in addition to the previous registration guidelines formulated and implemented in 2018 by the then Ministry of Home Affairs, a provision stating that the publication of any material falling under the definition of nudity and pornography is prohibited. This includes content containing scenes or sounds of sexual intercourse, depictions or audio of sexual organs, and objects manufactured to resemble sexual organs for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. 

The MMBC said that the framework is intended to facilitate the exercise of press freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution, within the bounds of Islamic moral standards and the law, while introducing clear procedures for media registration and operation.

Categories and platforms

According to the press release, media services are classified into four categories:

1. Newspapers
2. Magazines
3. Newsletters
4. Journals

These may be published across print, websites, social media, applications, and other electronic platforms. The regulation states that no newspaper or magazine may be published in the Maldives without prior registration, except for publications issued by political parties, associations, and government agencies for internal use.

Registration and compliance

The MMBC press release stated that registrations will be valid for five years, with renewal applications required at least 90 days before expiry. Changes in ownership will also require renewal, while registrations may be cancelled if publications cease for more than 12 months.

All existing registered outlets are required to update their records within six months of the regulation’s publication. Each publication must also submit an annual report by 30 June every year, including details of published articles, staff training, and administrative changes.

In addition, media outlets must notify the Commission of all associated social media platforms, and any subscription fees must be approved by the Commission before being applied.

The regulations published today follow a raid by the Maldives Police Service last night on the office of Adhadhu News, during which various equipment, including laptops and hard drives, was confiscated, according to the outlet.

Authorities have also seized the passports of Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, imposing travel bans on both.

The travel restrictions and raid follow the publication of a documentary by Adhadhu last month, in which a woman—using a pseudonym and with her identity concealed—alleged that she had a sexual relationship with President Mohamed Muizzu inside the President’s Office. She further alleged that the president had given her monthly “gifts.”

The raid also comes after remarks by President Muizzu at a press conference held yesterday, where he denied the allegations, describing them as false, and said he would pursue legal action against those involved in the documentary.