Acting Minister of Information: Media Regulation Law is a legislative leap that keeps pace with digital transformation and protects freedom of media work
Kuwait City, Sept 1 (KUNA) – Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Media and Culture Omar Al-Omar affirmed that the draft law regulating the media sector represents a crucial step toward modernizing Kuwait’s media legislative framework and establishing a contemporary, unified system that keeps pace with the rapid transformations in the media industry and the digital space, while balancing freedom of media practice with professional responsibility and societal protection.
In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday, Minister Al-Omar said the project aligns with the state’s direction to update its legislation and streamline procedures, as it consolidates under a single legal umbrella the laws governing print publications, broadcasting, audio-visual media, electronic media, as well as advertising, content production, artistic production, and broadcasting services, alongside other related media activities.
He clarified that the objective of unifying these regulations is to provide a clear and comprehensive legal reference for media professionals and investors, following the significant developments the media sector has witnessed in recent years and the emergence of new models, platforms, and practices that did not exist when previous laws were enacted.
Al-Omar noted that the project adopts a more flexible licensing system through a unified electronic platform, integrated with relevant authorities, simplifying procedures, license durations, and application processing, thereby contributing to improving the business environment and encouraging investment in the media and creative sectors.
He added that the project comprehensively regulates, for the first time, the activities of content creators and advertisers on social media platforms, establishing clear rules for disclosing media and advertising content, as well as regulating the use of artificial intelligence technologies in content, thereby enhancing transparency and protecting the public and consumers.
The minister emphasized that media regulation aims to create a clear professional environment that safeguards freedom of expression and responsible journalistic work, while defining rights and obligations with greater clarity.
He explained that the protection of children, families, and society constitutes a central pillar of the project, implemented through controls that safeguard children’s privacy and prevent their exploitation or abuse, alongside the development of content standards to address emerging practices and risks in the digital environment.
Regarding violations, Al-Omar clarified that the project is based on the principles of gradation and proportionality in penalties, with the primary approach being regulatory and administrative remediation, ranging from warnings and reprimands to financial and administrative sanctions, depending on the nature, severity, and recurrence of the violation. Criminal penalties are reserved for specific cases defined by law.
The minister stressed that the project also considers the nature of direct media work, distributing responsibility according to the actual role of each party, thereby achieving greater clarity and fairness in assigning liability while preserving society’s right to professional and responsible media.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Al-Omar stated: “Our aspiration is to have modern media legislation that embraces the future rather than obstructing it, protects the freedom of responsible media, upholds the rights of society and consumers, and provides creators and investors with a clear and fair environment for work and growth. Kuwaiti media boasts a distinguished history, and it is our responsibility to provide it with modern legislation befitting this heritage and aligned with Kuwait’s aspirations for the future.”
He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to preparing the project, as well as to the Kuwaiti media family for their efforts, praying to God Almighty to protect Kuwait and its people under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, may God protect and support him. (End) N.W.F
