Maldives ratifies the Artistic Productions Classification Act [Law no. 12/2022]
On 18th July 2022, the Artistic Productions Classification Act of Maldives [Act no. 12/2022] was ratified. The Act specifies the criteria for classifying artistic productions imported to or produced in the Maldives.
Artistic productions made in or imported into the country shall be classified as one of the following.
- Film,
- Sound recording,
- Video game or electronic game,
- Photographs and drawings,
- Performing arts,
- Literary production
- Channels made available to the public by rebroadcasting service providers, and
- Advertising.
The Act’s primary purpose is to establish a system to ensure that artistic productions imported or produced for local audiences are categorised into the appropriate age groups before being published.
The National Bureau of Classification is responsible for the enforcement of the Act.
The regulations governing the grading and categorisation, classifying channels for rebroadcast licenses, and the review of literature publications produced in the country, pertaining to the General Regulations Act [No. 6/2008], is repealed following the ratification of the Artistic Productions Classification Act [Law no. 12/2002].