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Can I be arrested in Kuwait for something I post on social media?

Last updated 7/20/20260 viewsProvisional

Yes, Kuwait's IT Crimes Law criminalizes online speech critical of leadership, religion, or state. Penalties include up to 10 years prison and KD 50,000 fines.

Yes — Kuwait's Information Technology Crimes Law (No. 63 of 2015) explicitly criminalizes a wide range of online speech. Article 6 penalizes online content that violates the Publications and Publishing Law, which covers content deemed offensive to religion, public morals, or the state. Penalties are referenced from that law and can be significant. Article 7 goes further, imposing penalties for online content that insults the Emir or undermines the state, referencing the Penal Code amendment (Law No. 31 of 1970).

Article 8 is particularly serious: creating a website or publishing information online that promotes immoral behaviour, gambling, or content harmful to public order can result in up to 7 years in prison and a fine of KD 10,000–30,000. Article 9 covers online incitement, instigation, or promotion of actions that threaten national unity or security, carrying up to 10 years in prison and fines of KD 20,000–50,000.

For expats, the practical takeaway is clear: avoid posting anything that could be construed as critical of Kuwait's leadership, religion (particularly Islam), government institutions, or public morals. This includes resharing or 'liking' such content, as the law applies to all forms of online distribution. When in doubt, do not post. The Public Prosecution handles all such cases exclusively under Article 17.

This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Kuwait.

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