The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Ibrahim Waheed has moved to clarify the scope of the proposed Maldives Media Bill, firmly stating that it will only regulate registered media outlets and not the social media activities of ordinary citizens or content creators.
This declaration comes amidst what the Minister described as "untrue claims" from the opposition, suggesting the bill aims to control public social media use and content creation.
Minister Ibrahim Waheed emphasised that the bill distinctly defines "media" as registered entities and while it would regulate the social media platforms belonging to a registered media outlet in the Maldives, individual citizens' or independent content creators' social media pages fall outside its jurisdiction.
"If the social media page belongs to an ordinary citizen or a content creator, the bill would not apply," he affirmed during a Media Forum held on Monday evening on the legislation.
The Minister also highlighted the extensive consultation process, noting that he had listened to and addressed journalists' concerns by amending the bill in collaboration with the Attorney General.
He expressed bewilderment at calls to "park the bill" even after significant amendments were made, arguing that the revised legislation addresses journalistic concerns and aims to benefit both media professionals and the public without infringing upon anyone's dignity.
Support for the bill's intent was echoed by veteran journalists present at the forum.
Adam Haleem who had served in editorial positions at several top media outlets in the country asserted that the current landscape offers more opportunities for independent journalism than ever before.
Locally renowned editor Mohamed Shaheeb, with over three decades of media experience stressed the importance of journalistic responsibility and respecting human dignity, arguing that monitoring media for this purpose does not equate to a deprivation of press freedom.
"If you violate human dignity through journalism, you have to question whether it is the most fair way. Journalists have responsibilities too. They have to fulfill their responsibilities,” he said.
Murshid Abdul Hakeem praised the current government's efforts towards press freedom, citing the appointment of independent members to the new media and broadcasting regulation commission as a significant positive step.
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, currently before Parliament, is framed as a critical piece of legislation designed to foster and uphold press freedom, prevent the dissemination of false news, and ensure the responsible exercise of constitutional rights within the nation's media landscape. Its proponents maintain that it is a crucial step towards a more accountable yet thriving journalistic environment for the Maldives.