Chapter 2 of the Cloud Computing Regulatory Framework delineates the licensing regime applicable to providers of cloud computing services.

Art. 1 of Law No. 43, which requires a licence for the importation of all goods, states that the right to import goods, materials and equipment is limited to Kuwaiti citizens; Kuwaiti partnerships if all partners are Kuwaiti citizens; joint stock and limited liability companies if Kuwaitis hold 51% or more of the total capital.

It is reported that the conditions for obtaining an import–export licence in Kuwait are as follows: the applicant must be a Kuwaiti national; where non-Kuwaiti partners are involved, Kuwaiti ownership must constitute at least 51%; the company must hold a valid commercial licence authorising import–export activities; and it must be registered with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enable the clearance of goods through Kuwaiti ports.

Kuwait does not have a comprehensive legal framework governing all personal data; instead, it relies on sectoral regulation. Law No. 20 of 2014 on Electronic Transactions contains provisions related to data privacy and the protection of electronic records, documents, and information associated with civil, commercial, or administrative transactions conducted wholly or partially through electronic means, and applies to private companies, government authorities, public institutions, non-governmental organisations, and their employees. Additionally, Law No. 63 of 2015 on Combating Cyber Crimes imposes severe penalties for the unlawful tampering with or acquisition of personal or governmental data. In addition, Administrative Decision No. 26 of 2024, issued by the Communications and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (CITRA), establishes obligations concerning data protection for telecommunications service providers and related industry sectors that collect, process, or store personal data, in whole or in part.

Banks and other financial institutions are required by the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism Law 106 of 2013 to retain a copy of transaction data for five years.

Pursuant to Art. 6 of the Data Privacy Protection Regulation, telecommunications service providers are required to furnish the Communications and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (CITRA) with the contact details of their designated data protection officer when notifying data breaches. Nevertheless, the Regulation does not expressly stipulate the procedures or obligations pertaining to the appointment of data protection officers as such.

A basic legal framework on intermediary liability for copyright infringement is absent in Kuwait's law and jurisprudence.

A basic legal framework on intermediary liability beyond copyright infringement is absent in Kuwait's law and jurisprudence.

It is reported that Kuwait’s SIM registration policy requires mobile network operators to collect and retain users’ personal data together with verifiable proof of identity.

In accordance with Art. 17 of Law No. 8, the manager in control of a website or electronic media outlet is responsible for any prohibited or violating content on the respective website or electronic media outlet/platform under the law. Therefore, the manager is responsible for observing accuracy and credibility in all publications of news, information or data. Electronic media is defined in Art. 1 as “activity which includes the publication or transmission of materials, activities or media services of electronic content that are produced, developed, updated, circulated, transmitted, published or penetrating it through the international information net (the internet) or any other communications net.”

The government holds a 21.4% equity stake in the telecommunications company Zain, through the Kuwait Investment Authority and the Public Institution for Social Security.

It is reported that Kuwait does not compel operators with significant market power (SMP) to adopt functional separation; however, compliance with accounting separation is mandatory.

Under Law No. 37 of 2014 on the Telecommunications and Information Technology Regulatory Commission, the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) issues licenses to telecom service providers. Under Art. 59, the CITRA employees have the power to request and examine licenses, books, registers, documents, and all papers related to the telecommunication activity; Examine and inspect any telecommunication devices, telecommunication installations, or any other facilities associated with providing telecommunication service or establishing, operating or owning telecommunication network; Review any additional information or documents in any form they might be related to the provision of telecommunication services. It is reported that "although Kuwait’s telecommunications industry is technically open to private investment, in practice, the government maintains extensive ownership in the sector and controls licensing and infrastructure development. It is reported that Kuwait’s telecommunications law gives authorities sweeping power to revoke licenses and block content, with little judicial oversight."

It is reported that a minimum capital threshold is required for the acquisition of a telecommunications licence in Kuwait.

Kuwait has not appended the World Trade Organization (WTO) Telecom Reference Paper to its schedule of commitments.