Kuwait eyes bigger role for e-media in crime prevention

The Kuwaiti delegation to the 10th Arab Security Media Conference has underscored the important role of electronic media, particularly social networks, in raising security awareness and countering crimes. In statements of KUNA on the sidelines of the conference held here, Head of Media Department at the Kuwait's Ministry of Interior and Head of Kuwait delegation to the conference Major Nasser Eid Abusaleeb said the electronic media and social networking sites have to feature high on the Arab security media strategy. "Security agencies can no longer depend solely on traditional media outlets of TV, radio and press given their growing role of social networking sites such as facebook, twitter and youtube in awareness and crime prevention campaigns worldwide," Abusaleeb told KUNA. He stressed that the need for a comprehensive Arab security media strategy that greatly employees the latest information and telecommunication technology to achieve security and fight crimes. Abusaleeb also called for intensifying media campaigns in the Gulf and Arab regions to cope with the growing security challenges in the two regions. The two-day event is focusing on a number of issues, including use of modern technology in the media and its influence on public opinion, role of security media in combating drugs in Arab countries, the updated draft Arab Media Strategy for awareness-raising and crime prevention, the establishment of an Arab Fund to finance anti-terrorism media activities and joint security media production. It also touches upon the best practiced examples of security media in the Arab region, particularly in using the media to combat extremism and employment of modern technology.