The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Ibrahim Waheed, has stated that with the Media Bill currently submitted to the People’s Majlis, only registered media outlets will be regulated. Opposition parties have been spreading false information, claiming that the Media Bill will regulate how ordinary citizens use social media and that content creators will also be regulated. While some individuals posing as journalists and political activists are suggesting that the bill contains provisions that are not actually there, it is important to consider the reality of the situation.
Responding to the claims made by opposition parties, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Ibrahim Waheed, said that the bill defines media as registered media outlets. Therefore, the minister stated that no one other than registered media outlets will be regulated. “When talking about social media, this bill will regulate various social media platforms of media outlets operating in the Maldives. However, if a social media page belongs to an ordinary citizen or a content creator, it is not related to this bill. It will not be regulated,” the minister said.
Furthermore, the minister stated that while different journalists may have differing opinions about the Media Bill, it is not acceptable to infringe upon anyone’s dignity. He also said that whether people speak for or against the bill, any solution reached through discussion and consultation will benefit both journalists and citizens.
