Kuwait's Information Technology Crimes Law (No. 63 of 2015) sets specific time limits — known as statutes of limitations — for cybercrime prosecutions under Article 18. The limitation period depends on the severity of the offence:
- 2 years from the date of the offence for crimes where the maximum sentence is 3 years or less in prison.
- 5 years from the date of the offence for crimes where the maximum sentence exceeds 3 years in prison.
Once these periods have passed, criminal proceedings can no longer be brought. However, it is important to note that these timers run from the date the crime occurred, not from when it was discovered. For expats, this is particularly relevant if you are concerned about historical online activity — for example, an old social media post or a past incident involving unauthorized system access.
It is also worth noting that under Article 16, if the same conduct is also punishable under the Penal Code or another Kuwaiti law with a harsher penalty, the stricter law applies. This means more serious cybercrimes could be prosecuted under different legal frameworks with different limitation periods. Always seek legal advice if you have concerns about past online conduct.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Kuwait.