A Comprehensive Legal Analysis of the Regulation on a Unified Digital Identity: Implications for Strengthening Legal Accountability among Indonesian Citizens

The advancement of technology has positioned social media as a primary necessity, primarily serving as a medium for communication and information exchange. Among the most widely used platforms in Indonesia are Instagram and TikTok. However, the widespread use of social media has also given rise to various negative phenomena, including hate speech, the spread of disinformation (hoaxes), threats, doxing, and cyberbullying. A significant challenge in addressing cybercrime is identifying perpetrators, often due to the use of fake accounts and online anonymity. Anonymity, therefore, becomes a root issue, enabling individuals to act with impunity and without fear of legal consequences. In response, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has proposed regulating a Single Digital Identity (Identitas Digital Tunggal/IDT), which would limit each person to a single social media account. This measure is designed as a strategic initiative to protect the public from cybercrime and promote user accountability. Nonetheless, such a policy may affect citizens' constitutional right to freedom of expression, raising a fundamental tension between legal protection and civil liberties. This study aims to provide a juridical review of the constitutional position of the right to freedom of expression on social media, based on the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia and relevant legislation, including Law No. 1 of 2024 concerning the Second Amendment to Law No. 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE Law). Employing normative juridical research and secondary data, this study finds that while freedom of expression on social media is constitutionally protected, its exercise is subject to limitations under statutory law, particularly the ITE Law, which prohibits specific categories of content