Exploring the "Kuwait Phone Number Library": Navigating Data Access and Ethical Considerations
For businesses and researchers seeking to connect with individuals or entities in Kuwait, the concept of a "Kuwait phone number library" might suggest a vast, easily accessible database of contact information. However, while Kuwait has been strengthening its data protection framework, particularly within the telecommunications and IT sectors, the arbitrary collection and use of personal phone numbers remain highly restricted. The idea of a readily available "library" of all Kuwaiti phone numbers is largely a misconception, primarily due to recent regulations from the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA).
Unlike many other countries that have a single, united kingdom phone number library overarching data protection law (like GDPR), Kuwait's data privacy framework has historically been more fragmented. However, this has been significantly enhanced by CITRA's Resolution No. 26 of 2024 concerning the Issuance of the Data Privacy Protection Regulation. This new regulation specifically imposes stringent obligations on telecommunications and IT service providers who collect, process, or store personal data. While it doesn't apply to all entities, its scope is broad within the digital realm, covering anyone who operates a website, smart application, or cloud computing service that processes personal data.
Key principles emerging from this and other relevant laws (like Law No. 20 of 2014 on Electronic Transactions and Law No. 63 of 2015 on Combating Cyber Crimes) include:
Explicit Consent: Service providers must obtain explicit consent from users before collecting their data.
Transparency: Users must be informed about why their data is being collected and how it will be used.
Purpose Limitation: Data should only be collected for specified purposes.
Data Subject Rights: Users have the right to withdraw their consent, which obliges the service provider to delete or destroy the associated information.
Data Breach Notification: Service providers must notify CITRA and affected individuals within 24 hours of a data breach.
Security Measures: Robust security measures must be implemented to protect personal data.