The Maldives Media Council (MMC) has issued warnings to three unregistered newspapers, Kurusee.com, Dhiyavaru.com, and Dhonamaa.com.
MMC said it has been receiving a large number of complaints regarding the dissemination of misleading information by these publications.
"The Media Council has always encouraged the freedom of expression in the Maldives to be practiced as widely as possible. However, it does not accept the spread of false narratives without proper verification from relevant authorities," the MMC said in a statement.
MMC noted that the government had previously taken action against Kurusee.com and Dhiyavaru.com, with the two newspapers being blocked from public access. However, following pressure from journalist advocacy groups, access to the websites was eventually restored.
The MMC further said that it has decided to formulate stringent regulations to address unregistered newspapers. The council has the power to take action against a newspaper, whether registered or unregistered and any other party that comes under the banner of "media", the statement said.
