Al-Qabas Publishes Decree-Law on Media Regulation - Sarmad
The Official Gazette, “Kuwait Today,” published on Sunday a law decree No. 102 of 2026, issuing the Law Regulating Media.
Article 2 of the aforementioned law decree entrusts the competent minister with issuing the executive regulations for this law within six months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, as well as issuing the necessary decisions to implement its provisions.
Article 3 obligates owners of the media activities mentioned in this law, as listed upon its implementation, to regularize their status in accordance with its provisions within six months from the date of issuance of the executive regulations. Failure to regularize their status within this period will result in the cancellation of their license.
Article 4 repeals Law No. 3 of 2006 concerning Publications and Publishing, Law No. 61 of 2007 concerning Audiovisual and Audio Media, and Law No. 8 of 2016 Regulating Electronic Media, as well as any other provision that conflicts with the provisions of this law.
Article 5 of the aforementioned law decree requires ministers, each within their respective jurisdiction, to implement the provisions of this law decree. It shall be published in the Official Gazette and take effect after six months from the date of its publication.
The explanatory memorandum for Law Decree No. 102 of 2026, issuing the Law Regulating Media, states that this law represents a comprehensive qualitative leap in restructuring and modernizing the country’s media system.
The explanatory memorandum clarified that this law aims to address legislative gaps resulting from rapid technological developments, while consolidating constitutional principles governing press freedoms and freedom of expression.
The explanatory memorandum emphasized that the media environment has undergone radical transformations due to the digital boom, which has reshaped concepts of broadcasting, publishing, and influence.
It indicated that this law is based on flexible legislative engineering, focusing on establishing fixed general principles and provisions, while delegating emerging detailed, procedural, and technical matters to its executive regulations to ensure swift and efficient adaptation to technological changes.
The explanatory memorandum noted that this law dedicates space to affirming general and constitutional principles governing media activities, foremost among them guaranteeing freedom of opinion, expression, press, printing, and publishing.
The explanatory memorandum defined the scope of regulating media formats that have emerged over time, such as technical terms related to broadcasting, rebroadcasting, frequency, channel, station, and programs, as well as newly introduced concepts like electronic media, electronic media platform, owner, and user, the electronic domain, and social media platforms.
The explanatory memorandum affirmed that freedom of opinion is guaranteed, and that every person has the right to express and publish their opinion orally, in writing, or otherwise, without infringing upon rights and freedoms, and within the limits prescribed by law to protect public order and morals, respect the rights, dignity, and reputation of others, and safeguard national security and national unity.
It further affirmed that freedom of the press, printing, publishing, and media is guaranteed and regulated by the provisions of this law. The media activities stipulated therein, as well as books and publications displayed at official book fairs, are not subject to prior censorship. However, the activity of exhibiting cinematic films, books, and other non-periodical publications printed or published within the State of Kuwait is subject to prior approval from the competent ministry before printing, distribution, and publication.
The explanatory memorandum referred to provisions concerning newspapers and publications, audiovisual and audio media, technical services for broadcasting and re-broadcasting, electronic media, the activities of callers and advertisers on social media platforms, news agencies, and correspondents of Arab and foreign newspapers and channels, production companies, cinema films and screening venues, artistic, musical, and vocal performances, as well as advertising and promotion.
It also highlighted violations, crimes, and penalties for those who contravene the provisions of this law, including engaging in media activities without a license, by imposing financial fines in addition to administrative sanctions.
