Al-Amar: Media Regulation Law Unifies Legislation and Keeps Pace with Digital Transformation
- It safeguards freedom of media work for journalists and clearly defines rights and obligations.
- It regulates, for the first time, the activities of content creators, advertising, and the use of artificial intelligence.
- Penalties begin with warnings and reprimands... while criminal penalties are restricted to cases explicitly defined by law.
State Minister for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Media and Culture, Omar Al-Omar, confirmed that the draft decree-law regulating the media sector represents a significant step toward updating Kuwait’s media legislative framework. It aims to build a modern, unified system that keeps pace with the rapid transformations in the media industry and the digital space, while achieving a balance between freedom of media work, professional responsibility, and the protection of society.
In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday, Minister Al-Omar stated that the project aligns with the state’s direction to update its legislation and streamline procedures. It consolidates under a single legislative umbrella the laws governing print publications, broadcasting, audio-visual media, and electronic media, alongside regulating advertising, content creation, artistic production, broadcasting services, and other related media activities.
He clarified that the objective of unifying these regulations is to establish a clear and comprehensive legal reference for professionals and investors in the media sector, following the significant developments the industry 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 approach to the licensing system through a unified electronic platform, integrated with relevant authorities. This simplifies procedures, extends license durations, and accelerates the processing of applications, 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. It establishes clear rules for disclosing media and advertising content and regulates the use of artificial intelligence technologies in content, thereby enhancing transparency and protecting the public and consumers.
The minister emphasized that media regulation means creating a clear professional environment that protects freedom of expression and responsible journalistic work, while defining rights and obligations more clearly.
He pointed out that the protection of children, families, and society constitutes a core pillar of the project. This is achieved by establishing controls that safeguard children’s privacy and prevent their exploitation or abuse, as well as by developing content standards to address emerging practices and risks in the digital environment.
Regarding violations, Al-Omar explained that the project is based on the principles of gradation and proportionality in penalties. The primary approach involves regulatory and administrative remedies, starting with warnings and reprimands and extending to financial and administrative sanctions, depending on the nature, severity, and recurrence of the violation. Criminal penalties are reserved exclusively for cases specified by law.
The minister stressed that the project also takes into account the nature of direct media work, distributing responsibility according to the actual role of each party. This ensures greater clarity and fairness in assigning liability while preserving society’s right to professional and responsible media.
Minister Al-Amr concluded his remarks by stating, “Our ambition is to have modern media legislation that keeps pace with the future rather than hindering it, protects the freedom of responsible media, safeguards the rights of society and consumers, and provides creators and investors with a clear and fair environment to work and grow. Kuwaiti media boasts a distinguished history, and it is our responsibility to provide it with modern legislation befitting this legacy and aligned with Kuwait’s aspirations for the future.”
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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 Almighty God to protect Kuwait and its people under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir of the State.
