Legal Basis of Cyberbullying and Legal Protection for Victims in Online Environments and Relationship to Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The expansion of information and communication technology has yielded certain beneficial results; yet, it has also resulted in unexpected repercussions, including a surge in cyberbullying. Individuals targeted by cyberbullying often endure sadness, isolation, maltreatment, and a profound sense of powerlessness. Consequently, it is essential to implement legislation that protect victims of cyberbullying and govern the punishments imposed on perpetrators. This article aims to examine the issue of regulating cyberbullying and provide legal protection to victims of online harassment. Law enforcement must reference the normative juridical approach used in the creation of this article when identifying cyberbullies and offering legal protection to their victims. The study's results indicate that the Law on Information and Electronic Transactions (UU ITE) governs the use of information and communication technologies that inflict damage on others, including cyberbullying. Furthermore, the Criminal Code provides instructions for addressing those involved in cyberbullying. Nonetheless, neither the Criminal Code nor the Information Technology Law addresses the protection of victims from cyberbullying. The Laws on the Protection of Witnesses and Victims (UU PSK) and Child Protection provide victims of cyberbullying the possibility to get legal protection. The Witness and Victim Protection Agency recommends that the Prostitution Law provides victims with their legal rights. Victims of cyberbullying are seldom identified as such, despite their entitlement to several rights. Consequently, it is imperative to create a comprehensive and clear legal framework to safeguard victims of cyberbullying while reforming prostitution laws and ensuring kid safety. Cyberbullying impacts several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG16) and quality education (SDG4).