On Monday, the Maldivian Parliament passed a bill to amend the Copyright Act, which will allow for fines of up to MVR 300,000 for violations of the law. The bill, which was backed by the government and sponsored by ruling PNC’s Nilandhoo MP Fathimath Saudha, was debated and passed after a report by the Social Affairs Committee was presented and reviewed.

The bill aims to strengthen the protection of copyrighted materials, regardless of their quality or presentation, ensuring that the original creators or proprietors are protected from unauthorized use of their work by third parties, including through sale or rent. It also extends the period of copyright protection.

In addition to extending copyright coverage, the amendments add new clauses to include audiovisual products, audio recordings, and content from satellite, internet, and cable broadcasts under the copyright protection umbrella. Offenders found guilty of infringing these rights could face fines ranging from MVR 50,000 to MVR 300,000, depending on the severity of the offense.

The amendment was approved with unanimous support from 57 MPs in attendance, further strengthening intellectual property rights in the Maldives.