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Kuwait published Decree-Law No. 102 of 2026 in the Official Gazette Kuwait Al-Youm issue No. 1811 on October 4, according to Arab Times, introducing a comprehensive Media Regulation Law that consolidates oversight of the sector. The legislation repeals Law No. 3 of 2006 on Publications and Publishing, Law No. 61 of 2007 on Audiovisual Media, and Law No. 8 of 2016 regulating Electronic Media, along with any conflicting provisions. Kuwait Times reported that the decree also sets timelines for implementation and compliance across all covered activities.
The new law will take effect six months after its publication in the Official Gazette, the decree states. The competent minister must issue executive regulations within six months of publication as well as any decisions needed to carry out its provisions. Existing media operators will have an additional six months after those regulations appear to regularize their status or risk license revocation.
According to Kuwait Times, the law covers newspapers, publications, audiovisual and broadcasting services, electronic news outlets, news agencies, artistic production, cinema and foreign correspondents. Its scope further includes social media advertising, commercial promotions, content creation and material produced with artificial intelligence. The framework requires licenses for influencers and advertising content creators targeting the Kuwaiti public and mandates clear disclosure of paid or unpaid promotional content.
Times Kuwait reported in September that Cabinet approval of the draft followed coordination with relevant authorities to modernize the legal structure. Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Omar Al-Omar told KUNA at the time that the unified law provides a clear reference for professionals and investors amid rapid technological shifts in the industry. The minister added that the legislation seeks to balance media freedom with protections for society, families and consumers.
The decree-law criminalizes false or misleading advertising and any unlicensed funding aimed at influencing public opinion, establishing fines along with administrative sanctions for violations. The law’s explanatory memorandum specifies that media activities and books displayed at official book fairs will not be subject to prior censorship. A report in Arab Times noted that the measure arrives after earlier cabinet discussions in September that highlighted the need to regulate embedded advertisements, reviews, giveaways and contests.
Kuwait’s previous media statutes had been enacted at different stages of technological development, leaving gaps as digital platforms grew, according to an assessment published by Times Kuwait in early September. The 2006 publications law, the 2007 audiovisual rules and the 2016 electronic media statute no longer fully addressed current practices such as influencer marketing or AI-generated content. Officials indicated that the consolidated approach would simplify licensing through an electronic platform while maintaining professional standards across the sector.
