President Muizzu Announces Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government will restrict children under 16 from accessing specific social media platforms to protect them from cyber-bullying, online grooming, and other digital threats. The initiative aims to create a safer online environment for the nation's youth while maintaining access to educational resources. Speaking during a weekly press conference, President Muizzu emphasized that protecting children from digital harms is a critical priority for a society anchored in Islamic principles. He noted that these challenges are shared internationally and have become a primary concern for parents across the Maldives. To develop the new policy, the government will adopt best-practice regulations from countries such as Australia. This includes implementing an age-verification regime and working directly with international tech companies to ensure their services comply with Maldivian law. The President clarified that the ban will target only the platforms deemed most risky, rather than the internet as a whole. Implementing these restrictions will require amendments to the Maldives' existing cyber-safety legislation. President Muizzu stressed that the move is not a retreat from digitization, but rather a strategic step toward a secure digital future. He assured the public that the restrictions would not hinder the ability of students to learn new skills or pursue educational progress online. The government intends to finalize the regulatory framework and launch the restrictions within the next year. This timeline includes a period of public consultation and feedback to refine the policy. The President expressed his hope that the practical results of the initiative will be visible before the end of the current year. State agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the general public are expected to play a collaborative role in safeguarding children from the vulnerabilities associated with unrestricted social media access.