Kuwait has introduced a new Media Regulation Law, repealing three existing media laws and setting a unified framework for traditional, audiovisual, electronic and social media activities, with existing media operators given six months to regularize their status after the executive regulations are issued.
Kuwait has issued a new Media Regulation Law aimed at modernising the country’s media framework and addressing legislative gaps arising from rapid technological and digital developments.

The Official Gazette, Kuwait Alyawm has, published Decree-Law No. 102 of 2026 issuing the new law in Issue No. 1811, released past midnight on Sunday. Under Article 2, the competent minister is required to issue the law’s executive regulations within six months of its publication in the Official Gazette, along with the decisions necessary to implement its provisions.

Existing owners of media activities covered by the law must regularise their status within six months of the issuance of the executive regulations. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of their licences. The new decree-law 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. It also repeals any provisions that conflict with the new law.

The law will enter into force six months after its publication in the Official Gazette, while the relevant ministers are responsible for implementing its provisions. According to the explanatory memorandum, the legislation represents a comprehensive restructuring of Kuwait’s media regulatory framework, taking into account the rapid transformation of the media environment driven by digital technology.

The memorandum said the law establishes a flexible framework based on general principles and provisions, while leaving detailed, procedural and technical matters to the executive regulations so the regulatory system can adapt more quickly to technological developments.

It also reaffirms constitutional guarantees for freedom of opinion, expression, press, printing and publishing. Freedom of opinion is guaranteed, allowing individuals to express and publish their views verbally, in writing or through other means, subject to laws protecting public order and morals, the rights and reputation of others, national security and national unity.

The law also provides that media activities covered by its provisions, as well as books and publications displayed at official book fairs, will not be subject to prior censorship. However, films, books and other non-periodical publications printed or published in Kuwait will require prior approval from the competent ministry before printing, circulation or publication.

The legislation covers a broad range of activities, including newspapers and publications, audiovisual media, broadcasting and rebroadcasting services, electronic media, social media promoters and advertisers, news agencies, Arab and foreign media correspondents, artistic production companies, films and cinemas, artistic and musical events, and advertising.

It also sets out violations, offences and penalties for breaches of the law, including operating media activities without a licence, with sanctions including financial penalties and administrative measures.