Home Minister Ali Ihusaan has formally dismissed circulating rumors regarding any government intentions to restrict access to TikTok and X (previously known as Twitter) in the Maldives. The Minister addressed these rumors during his speech at the Ooredoo calendar inauguration ceremony, where he was the chief guest.
Social media has been rife with speculation about the potential banning of these platforms. However, Minister Ihusaan clarified that the government is committed to enhancing and expanding social media networks rather than restricting them. This clarification aligns with the government’s previous announcements about initiatives to allow Maldivian TikTok creators to monetize their content, underscoring their support for social media development.
Currently, TikTok holds the position as the most popular social media platform in the Maldives, engaging a broad demographic that includes older adults who regularly consume content on the app. In contrast, X is predominantly utilized by individuals engaged in political discourse and activities within the country.
The government has taken steps to block pornographic websites, reflecting its focus on regulating specific online content. Nonetheless, there are no plans to impose similar restrictions on widely used social platforms like TikTok and X.