Legal Education by Notaries on Social Media

Compliance with the Notary Office Act and the Notarial Code of Ethics

Abstract

Advances in technology and social media have driven changes in how the public accesses information, including legal information, thereby opening opportunities for notaries to carry out their legal education functions digitally. However, the use of social media by notaries raises questions regarding the line between legal education and professional promotion, which is prohibited by the Notary Code of Ethics. This study aims to analyze the regulation of legal education content created by notaries through social media based on the Notary Law and the Notary Code of Ethics, as well as to analyze notaries responsibility regarding such content. This study employs a normative legal research method using a statutory approach and a conceptual approach, analyzed both descriptively and prescriptively. Research findings indicate that notaries are permitted to use social media as a means of legal education pursuant to Article 15(2)(e) of the Notary Law, provided that the content created is educational, objective, accurate, non-misleading, maintains client confidentiality, and does not contain elements of self-promotion. If such content violates the UUJN, the Notary Code of Ethics, or other statutory provisions, including the ITE Law, notaries may be held administratively, ethically, civilly, or criminally liable. Therefore, clear technical guidelines, preventive oversight, and standardized enforcement of ethical standards are necessary so that Notaries can utilize social media professionally without compromising the honor, dignity, and integrity of their office as public officials.