Kuwait to ‘monitor’ social media users

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KUWAIT CITY, June 14: A governmental committee will be formed soon to deal with social media users who spread rumors, attack other countries or incite sectarianism and sedition quoting a high-ranking security source.

According to the source, members of the committee include representatives from the ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Information and Awqaf.

He said the committee will scrutinize posts on social networking sites and other media platforms to identify those trying to ignite sedition and sectarianism or attack personalities and policies in other countries.

He revealed the Interior Ministry will be in charge of monitoring all social media accounts and refer those proven to have committed violations to the judiciary, while the Information Ministry will form a team tasked to follow up violations in electronic and print media and then refer erring individuals to the Public Prosecution.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Awqaf will monitor religious sermons and discussions, as well as encourage religious personalities to promote unity and warn against discord.

Preachers are not allowed to talk about politics in their sermons, the source added. He said the Foreign Affairs Ministry will continue playing its diplomatic roles abroad to help address rifts in the Arabian Gulf.

Meanwhile, another security source disclosed that Internet patrols are closely monitoring social networking and microblogging sites to deal with those trying to weaken national and Gulf unity as well as disdain religions and sects.

He pointed out the e-Crime Law stipulates punishment for citizens (including those living in other countries) and expatriates who use Twitter and other social media platforms to comment on Kuwaiti affairs in an offensive manner.

He warned these people will be punished accordingly, including referral to the Public Prosecution. The source added that if a final verdict is issued against erring individuals, the local authorities will coordinate with the Interpol to extradite them in accordance with the extradition agreement between Kuwait and the concerned countries.

This news has been read 20600 times!

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