Kuwait steps up battle against AI-driven misinformation

KUWAIT CITY, July 6: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has fundamentally reshaped the global media landscape, while recent regional security developments have underscored the growing challenge facing media institutions in verifying information amid an unprecedented surge of online content. The challenge was particularly acute during the first 48 hours of the recent regional crisis, as AI-powered deepfake technology and other synthetic media tools enabled the rapid creation and dissemination of highly convincing false content, raising concerns over misinformation and its impact on public security.

Against this backdrop, Kuwaiti government institutions, academic experts and media organizations have intensified cooperation to safeguard the country’s digital space, strengthen public awareness and reinforce responsible, fact-based journalism. Head of the Cybercrime Department at the Ministry of Interior Lieutenant Colonel Saud Al-Wazzan told KUNA on Monday that the ministry has maintained close coordination with the Kuwaiti Army, National Guard, National Cybersecurity Center and the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority to monitor misleading online content, particularly material generated using AI technologies. He revealed that authorities detected around 200 violations during the recent Iranian attacks on Kuwait, including the publication of images showing weapons, military sites and other sensitive facilities. Legal measures were taken against offenders, while misleading AI-generated content was removed to help preserve public security and stability, he said.

Al-Wazzan added that the ministry also launched multilingual public awareness campaigns targeting citizens and residents to limit the spread of harmful digital practices and promote responsible online behavior. He praised ongoing government efforts to establish governance frameworks for AI that encourage responsible and secure use of emerging technologies while protecting privacy and ensuring the reliability of government data. Meanwhile, Head of the Media and Mass Communication Department at the Gulf University for Science and Technology, Dr. Ahmad Al- Shallal, said combating misinformation requires an integrated strategy based on public awareness, media training, and updated legislation.

He stressed the need to modernize laws to criminalize the creation and dissemination of AI-generated fabricated content, particularly when it threatens national security, noting that stronger legal deterrence would help curb misuse and reinforce digital responsibility. Al-Shallal described deepfake technology as one of the most serious challenges confronting modern media because of its ability to produce highly realistic audio and video content capable of misleading audiences. He warned that AI-generated voice cloning has become increasingly sophisticated, enabling fraudsters to impersonate public officials and request confidential information, making verification of content sources more critical than ever. Fake news not only spreads false information but also distorts public perception, fuels anxiety, and can be exploited as part of information warfare campaigns aimed at undermining trust in national institutions and official sources, he added.

Director General of News at the Ministry of Information, LafiAl-Subaie, stressed that the ministry adheres to the highest standards of verification by relying on official and credible sources while continuously monitoring international news agencies and digital platforms. He said the ministry is also investing in training journalists to better respond to the rapidly evolving digital environment. Al-Subaie described AI as a valuable tool capable of enhancing journalism by accelerating access to information, improving data analysis and increasing newsroom efficiency, while emphasizing the need for professional and ethical safeguards to preserve accuracy and public confidence.

He added that the Ministry of Information plays a central role in raising awareness about deepfakes and misinformation through specialized media campaigns, educational programs and news coverage highlighting the risks posed by digital manipulation. He stressed that countering digital misinformation requires close cooperation among government institutions, media organizations, universities and research centers to exchange expertise and keep pace with technological developments. As AI technologies continue to evolve, experts agree that confronting digital misinformation has become a shared national responsibility requiring coordinated institutional efforts, greater public awareness and updated legislation.

By Manar Al-Otaibi (KUNA)