Legal Analysis of the Criminal Act of Defamation Through Social Media

Putri Ramadhani rangkuty (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Habiburriziq El Ardhy Saragih (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Muhammad Fazli Pratama (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Ahmad Yasin Dongoran (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Raja Muda Pahlevi Siregar (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Annisa Putri Andini Tanjung (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)

ISNU Nine-Star Multidisciplinary Journal (INS9MJ)
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): ISNU Nine Star September 2025

The way society communicates has changed significantly as a result of advances in digital technology, particularly how ideas are expressed on social media. The rise in online defamation claims is one legal issue arising from the ease of access to information. The purpose of this essay is to examine the crime of defamation on social media from a legal perspective, using provisions from the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE) and the Criminal Code (KUHP). Using a normative approach, it is found that the two legal instruments differ significantly in terms of the elements of the crime and their sanctions. Furthermore, it remains difficult for law enforcement to distinguish between insults and freedom of expression in defamation cases, particularly those related to criticism of public figures. To curb such violations, this essay also emphasizes the importance of restorative justice strategies and improving digital literacy. Thus, in the digital age, it is crucial to strike a balance between safeguarding freedom of speech and preserving individual dignity.