The Cybercrime Department warned on April 5 that publishing and sharing certain videos and photos amid the current situation can threaten national security or spread rumors, exposing individuals to legal consequences. Lieutenant Colonel Saud Al-Wazzan, spokesman for the department in the Criminal Investigation Sector at the Interior Ministry, made the remarks in an interview with Kuwait TV that Arab Times reported. He identified two categories of violations and called for material to be sent directly to authorities rather than circulated on social media.
According to Al-Wazzan, the first category encompasses filming events and uploading the content to social media even if accurate, since it risks disclosing field information that could aid the enemy. This act is viewed as a threat to national security. The second category involves sharing video clips or news from secondary sources without authentication, which is treated as rumor propagation. Both are criminalized under the Cybercrime Law with penalties that include referral to the Public Prosecution.
Al-Wazzan explained that the law pays particular attention to rumor spreading during crises due to the potential for causing fear and panic among the population. “Upon receiving any news, whether through WhatsApp or other means, the source must be verified and its circulation should be avoided to prevent the psychological harm it might cause to individuals and families,” he elaborated. Instead, he encouraged reassuring the public and following updates exclusively from official sources, primarily Kuwait TV, which provides timely and transparent information. The spokesman added that this approach eliminates the need to turn to unverified social media posts.
The Interior Ministry has published alerts on various platforms in different languages to educate residents on the hazards of photographing and publishing during such periods. Al-Wazzan stated that all members of the Cybercrime Department monitor both real and fake accounts. “Any publication containing rumors or that threatens national security is seized and referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action,” he added. Security agencies track and apprehend violators, who then face appropriate legal measures.
This initiative aligns with Kuwait’s National Cyber Security Strategy, which the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority has said identifies the spread of rumors, misinformation and electronic espionage as serious risks that can undermine the state’s security, stability and vital infrastructure. The strategy calls for updated legislation to combat evolving cyber threats including those targeting public utilities and the financial sector. It underscores the role of such measures in countering informational warfare that organized groups or state actors might employ.
Recent similar warnings from the department have focused on content involving military operations, missiles or security incidents that could spark panic or sectarian tensions, as seen in statements circulated on social media platforms. In one incident reported in early June, authorities arrested a social media user for posting sensitive security footage. The ministry continues to stress reliance on government communications to preserve public order.
