Kuwait sounds alarm on sharing crisis content

KUWAIT CITY, April 5: The Cybercrime Department in the Criminal Investigation Sector at the Interior Ministry warned that publishing and sharing certain videos and photos under the current situation falls into two dangerous categories, both of which expose the perpetrator to legal accountability.

In an interview with Kuwait TV, spokesman of the department Lieutenant Colonel Saud Al-Wazzan revealed that the first category includes filming events and publishing videos or images on social media, even if they are real. He clarified that such acts are considered a threat to national security due to the possibility of exposing field information deemed beneficial for the enemy. He said the second category includes republishing or sharing video clips or news received from others without verifying their authenticity – an act considered spreading rumors.

He warned that acts under the two categories are criminal offenses punishable by law, indicating that if such videos and images are uncovered, they should be sent only to the relevant authorities in the ministry. He pointed out that the Cybercrime Law criminalizes the spread of rumors, especially during crises, due to the fear and panic they instill. He emphasized that maintaining security is everyone’s responsibility. “Upon receiving any news, whether through WhatsApp or other means, the source must be verified and its circulation should be avoided to prevent the psychological harm it might cause to individuals and families,” he elaborated. He also called for reassuring and comforting the public, instead of spreading anxiety and rumors, urging the people to follow news only from official sources. He reiterated that the ministry has instructed the public to follow news from official sources, primarily Kuwait TV, which broadcasts information quickly and in a transparent manner, thus, eliminating the need to rely on social media.

He said the security agencies monitor, track and apprehend anyone proven to be involved, and they are referred to the appropriate authorities. He explained that photographing and publishing images of incidents or debris is a violation, even if the intention is to raise awareness. He asserted that the correct procedure when documenting any incident is to send it only to the relevant authorities without publishing it due to the harm it could cause to national security. He confirmed that all members of the Cybercrime Department monitor real and fake accounts. “Any publication containing rumors or that threatens national security is seized and referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action,” he added. He stated that the ministry published warnings and alerts on various social media platforms and in different languages to raise awareness on the dangers of photographing and publishing during crises, urging everyone to adhere to the instructions in order to maintain national security and stability.

By Munif Naif Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff