Legal definitions
Both “child” and “minor” are defined to be a person under 18 years old, each with specific additional inclusions or exclusions, depending on the relevant law. A person of any age with special needs related to mental disorders is included in the definition of a child for purposes of prohibitions on child sexual abuse. Individuals with mental disorders of all ages are included in the “child” definition. The age of consent for sexual activity is 18 years.
Child sexual exploitation, child pornography or CSAM, and enticement or grooming are specifically defined in Maldivian law. There is no specific definition for sexually explicit content, child sexual abuse but there are equivalent concepts explained in-depth within existing laws. Similarly, enticement or grooming is not explicitly defined but related conduct is incorporated into relevant child sex abuse laws.
Computer-generated images or video of child pornography or CSAM and sextortion are undefined.
Regulatory requirements/recommendations
Online platforms are generally not required review, screen, moderate, detect, or remove online child sexual exploitation content.
Age verification requirements/recommendations
Online platforms are not required or recommended to implement any age verification measures.
Parental consent requirements/recommendations
Online platforms are not required or recommended to obtain parental consent before children can use their systems.
Legal remedies for child victims
A party that posts obscene content may be prosecuted, but there is no directly addressed measure to stop the publication of CSAM to an online platform. Online platforms are not required to remove content. It may be possible to pursue an injunction or other court order to stop an online platform from publishing CSAM, but it is untested. Victims have access to counseling support services. Though not legally required, it is customary practice to inform the parent or guardian of a child victim when an offender is arrested for crimes against the child.
"Safety by Design" requirements
Online platforms are not required to incorporate “Safety by Design” into their systems.