Kuwait's new social media and advertising rules: what every celebrity and influencer must know

Kuwait’s Ministry of Information is set to introduce strict regulations requiring celebrities and social media influencers to obtain official licenses before advertising products online. This move, embedded in the forthcoming Media Law, aims to protect consumers from misleading promotions and hold advertisers accountable, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to social media marketing.

New social media advertising regulations and influencer licensing

Kuwait’s government is preparing to implement comprehensive rules targeting social media advertising, particularly focusing on celebrities and influencers. These new measures, forming part of the draft Media Law currently under final legal review, will mandate all individuals and companies promoting products on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to secure official advertising licenses.

The Ministry of Information, working closely with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry , will oversee the licensing process. Advertisers must prove that the products or services they promote are legally approved by the relevant authorities. For example, medical products require clearance from the Ministry of Health, while real estate promotions must receive approval from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Licensing conditions, content monitoring, and legal enforcement
The draft Media Law dedicates two chapters to the regulation of advertising, laying out detailed conditions for licensing and penalties for violations. The Ministry of Information will have full authority to monitor social media content related to advertisements and will refer any suspected breaches to the Public Prosecution for legal action.

A key part of the regulation involves the formal verification of influencer accounts. Those wishing to advertise must submit electronic applications, including their account details, personal identification documents, and sign a pledge to comply with all advertising rules. The Ministry will evaluate accounts based on factors such as audience size and influence to determine if they fall under the law’s scope.

Consumer protection and addressing misleading influencer ads
The new regulations respond to increasing consumer complaints about deceptive influencer promotions, especially in sensitive sectors like health products and real estate. There have been notable court cases stemming from false advertising that left many consumers defrauded. The government aims to eliminate such fraudulent practices by enforcing licensing and oversight.

Advertisers will be given a grace period to adjust and regularize their activities under the new system. After this window closes, any violation will lead to strict legal consequences without exception. The regulations cover all advertising formats — visual, written, and printed — ensuring comprehensive control over promotional content across all platforms.

Inter ministry coordination and framework for advertising compliance
The Ministries of Information, Commerce and Industry are coordinating closely to ensure smooth implementation. This includes developing a clear vision for celebrity and corporate advertising that holds all parties accountable without bias and safeguards consumer rights.

Once enacted, the law will require social media influencers, celebrities, and companies to follow transparent advertising rules, verifying licenses for the products and services they promote. This regulatory framework represents a major step toward creating a more trustworthy and legally compliant advertising environment in Kuwait’s fast-growing digital market.