Protecting Society from Rumors & Misinformation

Rumors are among the most dangerous social phenomena, threatening the stability of societies and undermining trust among individuals and institutions—especially with the widespread use of social media, which has become a fertile environment for the uncontrolled spread of information.

The danger of rumors lies in the fact that they do not require evidence or a credible source to circulate; it is sufficient for them to be passed from one person to another to become the talk of society, thereby posing a threat to public security. In response, Kuwaiti legislation has addressed this issue through a set of legal provisions criminalizing the publication of false news and imposing strict penalties on its propagators.

Official statistics indicate that rumors in Kuwait are often linked to matters of public opinion, which gives them greater momentum and facilitates rapid spread. The danger of this type of rumor lies in its potential consequences, such as inciting discord, spreading chaos, defaming individuals or government entities without justification, influencing public decisions, misleading public opinion, or weakening trust in authorities.

As rumors constitute an effective means of undermining the relationship between citizens and state institutions—particularly when casting doubt on their integrity or efficiency—it became necessary to establish a strong legal framework to confront them. Clear and decisive legislative provisions were enacted to criminalize the dissemination of false news and to prosecute its propagators. In this regard, Cybercrime Law No. 63 of 2015 emerged as the primary instrument to combat rumors spread through electronic platforms. Under this law, any person who uses an information network or information technology tool to publish false news or data with the intent of harming public order or the internal or external security of the state is subject to legal penalties. The law also provides for the prosecution of anyone who creates or manages a website or publishes false or misleading information through it.

Alongside this, Publications and Publishing Law No. 3 of 2006 ensures the accuracy and reliability of information transmitted by trusted media sources by prohibiting content that could harm public order or defame individuals or institutions. Penalties under this law, in addition to criminal sanctions, may include revocation of the license of any newspaper or media outlet found complicit in spreading rumors.

From an enforcement perspective, the Cybercrime Department actively monitors and tracks rumors, taking legal action against their perpetrators. In parallel, official media outlets respond swiftly by debunking such rumors through their verified accounts to reduce their harmful effects.

International experience shows that continuous public awareness plays a critical role in limiting the spread of rumors. By fostering a culture of verifying sources and ensuring the accuracy of information before sharing, educational and media institutions bear a key responsibility in promoting this culture across society. Rumors should not be treated merely as false news but as dangerous tools that can undermine national security and social cohesion. Consequently, combating them requires a joint effort between the state and society, not just legal measures.

In conclusion, I speak directly to young people, emphasizing the vital importance of verifying sources before sharing any information. News should only be reposted if it comes from official authorities or accredited media outlets. Sharing false or unverified content on social media constitutes a violation that can expose the individual to legal consequences. We further advise steering clear of anonymous or fake accounts and avoiding any content that could harm the reputation of individuals or institutions. Above all, responsible use of freedom of expression must be upheld as a cornerstone for safeguarding public security and maintaining public order.