‘People’s reputation is not a joke’; neither harmless entertainment nor a practical joke
. . . but an unethical act punishable under the law
The Ministry of Interior has warned students and young people against creating fake social media accounts using other people’s names or photographs without their consent, stressing that impersonation is a punishable cybercrime that can damage reputations and lead to legal consequences.
In an awareness message published on its official X account under the title “People’s Reputation Is Not a Joke,” the Cybercrime Department of the Criminal Security Sector said using another person’s photographs to create fake accounts or impersonate their identity was neither harmless entertainment nor a practical joke, but an unethical act punishable under the law.
Addressing students directly, the department highlighted how activities that may begin as jokes on social media can develop into serious violations with legal consequences. The awareness campaign was published in both Arabic and English to reach a wider audience.
The warning comes under Law No. 63 of 2015 on Combating Cybercrimes, which addresses offences committed through the internet and information technology. The law covers impersonation and the use of false identities in electronic fraud to obtain money or benefits, as well as extortion and blackmail involving harm to a person’s dignity, honor or reputation. Penalties depend on the nature and consequences of the offence.
The legal treatment of minors differs from that of adults under Kuwait’s Juvenile Law. Anyone under 18 is considered a minor. For those aged 15 to under 18 who commit an offence punishable by temporary imprisonment, the prison term cannot exceed half the maximum sentence prescribed for the offence. Minors are also exempt from fines.
The decree stipulates that the relevant ministers shall implement its provisions within their respective jurisdictions and that it takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
