Protecting Family Integrity from Digital Fraud: Islamic Family Law and ITE Law in WhatsApp Groups

Abstract

Background: The increasing use of digital platforms, especially WhatsApp groups, has brought new challenges in maintaining family integrity. While these platforms facilitate communication and the exchange of Islamic knowledge, they are also vulnerable to fraud. In Indonesia, such digital scams often occur in religious and family-related groups, causing not only financial losses but also damage to trust and relationships within families. This situation raises important questions regarding the role of Islamic family law and Indonesia’s Information and Electronic Transactions Law (UU ITE) in providing adequate protection.

Methods: This qualitative study analyzes cases of fraud in WhatsApp groups through document review and legal analysis. It explores how Islamic family law and UU ITE address digital fraud, with a focus on legal responses to protect families.

Results: Findings show that digital fraud in family-related WhatsApp groups leads to disputes, mistrust, and weakened social cohesion. While UU ITE offers legal recourse, its enforcement in cases involving family dynamics remains inconsistent. Islamic family law, though rich in moral guidance, lacks specific mechanisms to deal with digital threats.

Discussion: There is a growing need to align Islamic family law with national digital regulations. Strengthening digital literacy and integrating legal protections in religious communities are essential steps to reduce fraud and restore family trust.

Conclusion: Islamic family law must adapt to the realities of the digital age by incorporating protections offered by UU ITE. Effective collaboration between religious scholars and legal authorities is needed to safeguard families.

Novelty: This study bridges the gap between Islamic family law and digital fraud prevention, offering an integrative approach rarely explored in Indonesian legal scholarship.