A Normative Legal Analysis of Social Media Platform Responsibility in Combating Misinformation in Indonesia

Abstract

This article examines the responsibility of social media platforms in combating misinformation in Indonesia from a cyber law perspective. The discussion is guided by two questions: to what extent Indonesia’s existing legal frameworks are effective in regulating platform responsibility, and why it is necessary to strengthen and clarify such responsibility. Using a normative legal approach, the study analyzes the ITE Law, Government Regulation Number 71 of 2019, and Ministerial Regulation Number 5 of 2020, supported by scholarly literature and selected public cases involving election-related and COVID-19 misinformation. The analysis shows that Indonesia’s framework provides a legal basis for regulating unlawful electronic information and requiring platform compliance with takedown mechanisms. However, the framework remains partially effective because it does not clearly define preventive duties, transparency obligations, user remedies, or safeguards for freedom of expression. The article argues that clearer platform responsibility is essential to ensure proportional enforcement, legal certainty, public protection, and a more secure digital information environment.