Malta
Europe
Age Verification Compliance Overview
This page provides comprehensive age verification and compliance information for Malta. Our research team continuously monitors regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments to ensure businesses have access to up-to-date compliance intelligence.
Malta maintains a "Heavily Regulated" approach to age-restricted content. This classification indicates strict compliance requirements including mandatory age verification, specific technical implementations, regular audits, and substantial penalties for non-compliance. Businesses operating in this jurisdiction must implement comprehensive age assurance systems and maintain detailed compliance records. Legal consultation is strongly recommended before entering this market.
The information below includes regulatory status, legal requirements, enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non-compliance, acceptable verification methods, and relevant regulatory authorities. This data is essential for platforms, content providers, and businesses that need to implement age-appropriate access controls or verify user ages.
Minimum Age
18+ years
Required age for platform access
Age Gate Required
Yes
Age verification is mandatory
Last Verified
10/14/2025
Most recent data update
Regulatory Timeline
Historical changes and upcoming regulatory events
- Heavily Regulated
Negotiations between European Parliament and Council on EU child sexual abuse law scheduled to begin: Negotiations on the final form of the EU-wide law to fight child sexual abuse are scheduled to commence, further shaping the legal landscape for Malta.
- Heavily Regulated
European Parliament adopted position on draft legislation to fight child sexual abuse: The European Parliament adopted its position on draft legislation to improve EU countries’ capacity to fight child sexual abuse effectively, including updates to definitions and punishments, which will impact Malta as an EU member state.
- Heavily Regulated
European Parliament adopted position on draft regulation on child sexual abuse material online: The European Parliament adopted its position on a separate proposal for a regulation on child sexual abuse material online, which will impact Malta as an EU member state.
- Heavily Regulated
Amendments to laws on pornography, freedom of expression, and vilification of religion approved: Parliament approved amendments that liberalized general pornography laws (making it no longer illegal to produce or distribute, except in extreme cases) while maintaining restrictions on public display, access by minors, and criminalizing revenge porn.
- Heavily Regulated
Audiovisual Media Services Regulations enacted: The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations (S.L. 350.26) were enacted, transposing the EU's AVMSD and requiring measures to protect minors from harmful content in on-demand services.
- Heavily Regulated
Broadcasting Act enacted: The Broadcasting Act (Cap. 350) was enacted, providing a framework for broadcasting regulation in Malta.
Data Sources
Legal documents and references supporting this data
Showing 5 of 10 sources
ba.org.mtlegislation
rm.coe.int1680ac877e
europarl.europa.eufight-against-child-sexual-abuse-updated-rules-to-address-new-technologies
maltatoday.com.mtnew_extreme_pornography_rules_replace_obscenity_laws
timesofmalta.comwarning-over-new-law-which-aims-to-restrict-extreme-pornography.622359
All sources are evaluated for credibility and relevance. Primary sources indicate official legal documents and government publications. Credibility scores reflect source reliability based on jurisdiction, publication authority, and verification status.
Related Countries
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Regulatory Authorities
Regulator contacts will appear here as they become available.