Kuwait Warns of Cyber Blackmail Against Government Officials

An aerial view shows Kuwait City. Reuters file photo
An aerial view shows Kuwait City. Reuters file photo
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Kuwait Warns of Cyber Blackmail Against Government Officials

An aerial view shows Kuwait City. Reuters file photo
An aerial view shows Kuwait City. Reuters file photo

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Information has warned that unnamed parties are blackmailing government officials on social media, vowing to take legal measures against them.

Some Kuwaiti MPs and politicians criticized the statement claiming it restricts freedom of opinion.

Media sources expect the Ministry, in cooperation with the security authorities, to launch a campaign against suspicious social media accounts after the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The Ministry accused the accounts of blackmailing ministers and government officials, forcing them to take certain decisions or actions.

The Ministry issued a statement asserting its intention to monitor all these cases and refer them to concerned authorities for taking the necessary actions that preserve the status of public office for state employees in the public interest.

The spokesman for the Ministry of Information, Anwar Murad, said that the cooperation comes from the Ministry’s keenness to coordinate media work in the public interest.

Murad explained that the Ministry is willing to cooperate with the media for the public’s interest, asserting it will be relentless and would spare no effort in holding accountable anyone who tries to use blackmail to further their interests.

Member of parliament Abdul Karim al-Kandari rejected and condemned the statement of the Ministry of Information.

Kandari said on Twitter the statement sounds like a threat, noting that cases of blackmail against officials or public employees should be referred to the judiciary.



Saudi Arabia Re-Elected as Chair of SMIIC Board for Third Consecutive Term

file photo of the Saudi flag - SPA
file photo of the Saudi flag - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Re-Elected as Chair of SMIIC Board for Third Consecutive Term

file photo of the Saudi flag - SPA
file photo of the Saudi flag - SPA

The member states of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) reaffirmed their confidence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by electing it as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a third consecutive term (2025–2027) during the 29th meeting of the SMIIC Board of Directors, held in Madinah with representatives from 13 member countries.

The Kingdom’s election underscores its leadership in standardization efforts across the Islamic world, its effective role in fostering technical cooperation, and its commitment to strengthening quality infrastructure to support the economic growth of member states, SPA reported.

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) Governor Dr. Saad Al-Kasabi expressed his pride in this show of confidence, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to continuing its support for SMIIC’s efforts and enhancing joint technical work through the development of a legislative framework for standardization activities.