WhatsApp Message Screenshot Misuse Law in Indonesia, Without Message Owner’s Permission
Author: Casroni
Editor-in-Chief of Detik Nasional.id
Misuse of WhatsApp message screenshots in Indonesia can be prosecuted under several articles in the law, especially if the screenshot is disseminated and causes harm to other parties. Here are some relevant articles:
Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE)
Article 27 paragraph (3) of the ITE Law: This article prohibits anyone from intentionally and without the right to distribute and/or transmit and/or make accessible Electronic Information and/or Electronic Documents that contain insults and/or defamation.
If the WhatsApp message screenshot that is disseminated contains insults or defamation of a person, then the perpetrator can be prosecuted under this article. The threat of punishment is a maximum imprisonment of 4 (four) years and/or a maximum fine of IDR 750,000,000.00 (seven hundred and fifty million rupiah).
Article 32 paragraph (1) of the ITE Law: This article prohibits anyone from intentionally and without rights or against the law to manipulate, create, change, remove, damage Electronic Information and/or Electronic Documents with the aim that the Electronic Information and/or Electronic Documents are considered authentic.
Although not directly related to the original screenshot, this article can be relevant if the WhatsApp message screenshot is manipulated or edited for a specific purpose that is detrimental.
Article 32 paragraph (2) of the ITE Law: This article prohibits anyone from intentionally and without rights or against the law in any way to move or transfer Electronic Information and/or Electronic Documents to the Electronic System of another person who is not authorized.
Disseminating screenshots of private messages without permission can fall within the scope of this article, especially if the information in the screenshot is confidential or personal.
Criminal Code (KUHP)
Article 310 of the Criminal Code (Defamation):
This article regulates anyone who intentionally attacks the honor or good name of a person by accusing them of committing a certain act with the intention that the accusation becomes public knowledge.
Similar to Article 27 paragraph (3) of the ITE Law, if a screenshot of a WhatsApp message is used to defame someone in public, then this article can be applied.
Article 311 of the Criminal Code (Slander): This article regulates anyone who commits the crime of defamation with writing or images, or broadcasts, displays or posts such writing or images in a public place, the contents of which can damage someone’s honor or good name.
The distribution of screenshots containing false accusations or incorrect information that is detrimental to someone’s good name can be prosecuted under this article.
Important Considerations!
It is important to remember that law enforcement will depend greatly on the context of the abuse. Some things to consider include:
Purpose of Distribution: Is the screenshot distributed for the purpose of harming, embarrassing, or defaming?
Message Content: Does the content of the message in the screenshot contain elements of insults, defamation, or personal information that should not be distributed?
Message Owner Permission: Is there permission from the message owner to distribute the screenshot?
Impact of Losses: Does the distribution of the screenshot cause real losses to the victim, both material and immaterial?
If you feel that you are a victim of misuse of WhatsApp message screenshots, you should immediately consult with the police or a legal expert to get the right treatment.*
Brebes, July 6, 2025
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