Cybercrime Dept blocks 80% of fake accounts as social media offenses surge
Most of these accounts are believed to be operated from outside Kuwait
Security sources revealed to Al-Rai that the Cybercrime Department within the Ministry of Interior’s Criminal Security Sector receives approximately 120 complaints daily, primarily involving defamation, slander, and the spread of false news. The majority of these complaints arise from tweets, retweets, and blog posts across social media platforms.
Highlighting the department’s efforts, sources confirmed that around 80 percent of fake accounts—often used to spread misinformation and abusive content—have been successfully blocked. Most of these accounts are believed to be operated from outside Kuwait, and several legal cases have already led to final judicial rulings against the perpetrators, according to Al-Rai daily.
On average, 500 cybercrime cases are registered and heard in court monthly, with 50 percent resolved through reconciliation. Officials expressed concern that many of the defendants are young people and women, often unaware that their online activity—particularly retweeting defamatory or false content—can constitute a punishable cybercrime, leading to imprisonment or fines.
To combat the growing threat to societal stability, the department’s technical support team plays a key role in raising awareness and providing guidance, both through WhatsApp communication and in-person lectures in government institutions, especially schools.
The department also deals with a wide range of digital offenses, including hacking, eavesdropping, incitement to immorality, and violations of public morals. Authorities stressed their swift response to online fraud, thanks to close coordination with the Communications and Banking Authority.
