Unauthorized access to a computer, computer system, or electronic processing system is a criminal offence under Kuwait's Information Technology Crimes Law (No. 63 of 2015). Under Article 2, basic unauthorized access carries a penalty of up to 6 months in prison and/or a fine of KD 500–2,000.
The penalties become significantly harsher in aggravated cases under Article 3, where unauthorized access involving government systems, financial data, or access that results in data theft, deletion, or damage can lead to up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine of KD 3,000–10,000. This applies whether you access a system directly or through a network.
As an expat, it is essential to understand that 'unauthorized access' is interpreted broadly — this includes logging into a colleague's work account without permission, accessing an ex-partner's email, or exploiting security weaknesses in a website. The Public Prosecution has exclusive authority to investigate these cases under Article 17, and courts may also confiscate any devices or tools used in the offence (Article 13). Always ensure you have explicit permission before accessing any system that is not your own.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Kuwait.