Maldives
Asia
Age Verification Compliance Overview
This page provides comprehensive age verification and compliance information for Maldives. Our research team continuously monitors regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments to ensure businesses have access to up-to-date compliance intelligence.
Maldives has implemented a complete prohibition on age-restricted adult content, classified as "Banned". This ban typically includes website blocking, payment processing restrictions, and potential criminal penalties for violations. Businesses should not attempt to operate in this jurisdiction without explicit legal counsel, as enforcement may include criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and reputational damage.
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.
Please note: Adult content access is currently prohibited in Maldives. This ban may affect website accessibility, payment processing, and service availability. Businesses should consult legal counsel before operating in this jurisdiction.
Minimum Age
N/A (Banned)
Content is completely prohibited
Age Gate Required
No
No verification required
Last Verified
10/12/2025
Most recent data update
Regulatory Timeline
Historical changes and upcoming regulatory events
- Banned
President ratifies Media and Broadcasting Regulation Law and establishes MMBC: President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Law (Law No. 16/2025) and established the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC).
- Banned
People's Majlis passes Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill: The People's Majlis passed the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill.
- Banned
Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill introduced: The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill was introduced to the People's Majlis.
- Banned
President Muizzu pledges to block all explicit websites: President Mohamed Muizzu pledged to block all explicit websites.
- Banned
Maldivian government implements ban on all pornographic websites: As part of a pledge made by President Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldivian government implemented a ban on all pornographic websites.
- Banned
Penal Code amended to expand 'criticizing Islam' offense: An amendment to the Penal Code expanded the definition of 'criticizing Islam' to cover use of a communications device to criticize Islam, the Quran, the prophet Mohamed, and the Sunnah.
- Banned
Criminal Court orders blocking of websites spreading other religions: The Criminal Court ordered local internet service providers to block access to websites, social media pages, YouTube channels, and online applications targeting Maldivians with the intention of spreading religions other than Islam.
- Banned
Cybercrime Act (Law No. 18/2021) becomes effective: The Cybercrime Act, which could be used for online distribution of prohibited content, became effective.
- Banned
Pornographic websites still popular despite blocking efforts: As of May 2019, several pornographic websites featured in the top 50 most popular websites in the Maldives, indicating that previous blocking efforts were not fully comprehensive.
- Banned
Report on Maldives blocking pornographic websites: Vnews.mv reported that Maldives was to block pornographic websites.
- Banned
Home Minister asserts blocking of pornographic websites: Similar assertions about banning pornographic websites were made by the Home Minister.
- Banned
Penal Code of the Maldives (Law No. 9/2014) becomes effective: The Penal Code, which includes provisions against obscenity, became effective.
- Banned
Prosecutor General orders blocking of pornographic sites: The Prosecutor General ordered the Home Minister to block pornographic sites.
- Banned
Prosecutor General considered blocking all pornographic websites: The Prosecutor General considered blocking all pornographic websites, asserting that viewing such material may lead to criminal activities and is against Islamic principles.
- Banned
Nurse sentenced for pornography offenses: A nurse was sentenced to six months in prison for producing and possessing pornographic materials.
- Banned
Arrest of students with pornographic material: Nine students were arrested in Addu City with pornographic material.
Data Sources
Legal documents and references supporting this data
Showing 5 of 9 sources
en.wikipedia.orgPornography_in_the_Maldives
state.govmaldives
corporatemaldives.comattorney-generals-office-launches-the-new-mvlaw-website
psmnews.mv129759
agoffice.gov.mvundefined
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.