Kuwait unveils draft media law to modernize regulations, regulate digital content
- Unified media law: The draft decree-law will bring regulations covering print, publishing, visual and audio media, electronic media, advertising, content creation, artistic production and broadcasting under one legal framework.
- Simplified licensing and digital regulation: A unified electronic platform will streamline media licensing and applications. The draft will also regulate content creators, social media advertising and the use of AI in content.
- Media freedom and public protection: The legislation aims to balance freedom of expression and professional media work with protections for children, families, consumers and society, including safeguards against child exploitation and abuse.
- Gradual penalties and clearer responsibility: Violations would face proportionate penalties, starting with warnings and administrative measures and potentially progressing to financial penalties. Responsibility would be assigned according to each party’s actual role in media activity.
Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture Omar Al-Omar said the draft decree-law regulating media represents a major step toward modernizing Kuwait’s media legislation and establishing a unified legal framework that keeps pace with rapid changes in the industry and digital space.
Speaking to KUNA, Al-Omar said the draft seeks to balance media freedom and professional responsibility with the protection of society, while supporting the state’s broader efforts to modernize legislation and simplify procedures.
The proposed legislation brings together, under a single legal framework, laws governing publications, publishing, visual and audio media, and electronic media. It also covers advertising, content creation, artistic production, broadcasting services and other related media activities.
Al-Omar said consolidating the legislation would provide media professionals and investors with a clear and comprehensive legal reference, particularly in light of the significant changes in the sector and the emergence of new platforms, practices and forms of media that did not exist when earlier laws were introduced.
Simplified licensing
The draft adopts a more flexible licensing system through a unified electronic platform linked to the relevant authorities, Al-Omar said. The system would simplify procedures, licensing periods and the processing of applications, helping improve the business environment and encourage investment in the media and creative sectors.
For the first time, the draft would also comprehensively regulate the activities of content creators and advertisers across social media platforms. It establishes rules for disclosing media and advertising content and regulates the use of artificial intelligence technologies in content to promote transparency and protect the public and consumers.
Al-Omar stressed that media regulation should establish a clear professional environment that protects freedom of expression and responsible journalistic work while defining rights and obligations more clearly.
Child and family protection
He said protecting children, families and society is a key component of the draft, which includes safeguards for children’s privacy and measures to prevent their exploitation or abuse. The legislation would also establish content standards to address emerging practices and risks associated with the digital environment.
On violations, Al-Omar said the draft is based on the principles of gradualism and proportionality in penalties. The proposed approach would prioritize organizational and administrative measures, beginning with warnings and admonitions and extending to financial and administrative penalties depending on the nature, seriousness and frequency of the violation. Penal sanctions would be limited to cases specifically provided for under the law, he added.
Responsibility based on actual role
Al-Omar said the draft also takes into account the nature of direct media work by distributing responsibility according to the actual role played by each party. He said this approach is intended to provide greater clarity and fairness in determining responsibility while preserving society’s right to professional and responsible media.
“Our ambition is to have modern media legislation that keeps pace with the future and does not stand in its way, that protects the freedom of responsible media, safeguards the rights of society and the consumer, and gives creators and investors a clear and fair environment to work and grow,” Al-Omar said.
He added that Kuwaiti media has a long and distinguished history and that providing it with modern legislation should reflect that history while supporting Kuwait’s future aspirations. Al-Omar also expressed appreciation to the authorities and others involved in preparing the draft, as well as to Kuwait’s media community for its efforts.
