Kuwait steps up battle against AI-driven misinformation

Kuwait is stepping up its fight against the escalating threat of artificial intelligence-driven misinformation, a challenge amplified by recent regional security developments. The rapid proliferation of online content, particularly during the initial 48 hours of a recent crisis, saw AI-powered deepfakes and synthetic media used to rapidly disseminate convincing false information, raising alarms about its impact on public security.

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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.

In response, Kuwaiti government institutions, academic experts, and media organizations are enhancing their cooperation. The Ministry of Interior's Cybercrime Department, in coordination with the Kuwaiti Army, National Guard, National Cybersecurity Center, and the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority, is actively monitoring misleading online content. Lieutenant Colonel Saud Al-Wazzan reported that authorities identified approximately 200 violations during recent Iranian attacks on Kuwait, including the publication of fabricated images. Legal actions were taken against offenders, and AI-generated content was removed to maintain public security.

To further combat the issue, the ministry has launched multilingual public awareness campaigns aimed at citizens and residents. These initiatives promote responsible online behavior and aim to curb the spread of harmful digital practices. The government is also working on establishing governance frameworks for AI to ensure its responsible and secure use while protecting privacy and data reliability.

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Legal measures were taken against offenders, while misleading AI-generated content was removed to help preserve public security and stability.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Shallal, head of Media and Mass Communication at the Gulf University for Science and Technology, stressed that combating misinformation requires an integrated strategy. This includes public awareness, media training, and updated legislation. He specifically called for modernizing laws to criminalize the creation and dissemination of AI-generated fabricated content, especially when it threatens national security, arguing that stronger legal deterrence is crucial.

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Combating misinformation requires an integrated strategy based on public awareness, media training, and updated legislation.

Al-Shallal identified deepfake technology as one of the most serious challenges facing modern media due to its ability to create highly realistic audio and video content that can easily mislead audiences. He also warned about the increasing sophistication of AI voice cloning, which enables fraudsters to impersonate public officials and solicit confidential information, making verification increasingly difficult.

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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.