Criminal Court of the Maldives has ordered Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block websites, social media pages, and YouTube channels that spread non-Islamic religious content in the Maldives.
Maldives Police Service (MPS) stated the Criminal Court issued the order after an investigation revealed that Dhivehi translations of information on religions other than Islam were being spread online. MPS stated that spreading such information is a violation of the Religious Unity Act and that all ISPs operating in the Maldives have been informed of the court order via a letter. The police added that ISPs are required to confirm the implementation of the order within 72 hours and that action will be taken against service providers that do not obey the order.
Article 7 of the Religious Unity Act bans the distribution of Dhivehi translations of non-Islamic religious texts in the Maldives.
The ISPs currently operating in the Maldives are Dhiraagu, Ooredoo, and Focus Infocom Private Limited.