Imposing Criminal Sanctions for Spreading Fake News Which Result in Public Disorder in the Legal System in Indonesia

Abstract

Advances in information technology have changed the way global society accesses and disseminates information. The instant nature of digital media allows information to spread quickly, often without adequate verification, giving rise to disinformation or hoaxes that can damage social order. In Indonesia, this challenge is increasingly complex with the rise of fake news that often appears on social media, especially ahead of major political events such as general elections. This research aims to understand the impact of existing legal regulations on the spread of fake news and find effective solutions to minimize the misuse of information technology which can threaten social stability. The analysis focuses on the use of the Information and Electronic Transactions Law (UU ITE), which in Indonesia is often used as a tool to tackle hoaxes. The research results show that although the ITE Law provides a legal framework, there is still a need for improvement in terms of law enforcement and public education. Therefore, the recommendations of this research include improving policies, increasing public awareness of information verification, and strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies to deal with hoax problems more effectively.

Keywords: information technology, hoax, social media, ITE Law, law enforcement