CYBERCRIMES AND FRAUD ON SOCIAL NETWORKS: THE CHALLENGE OF CRIMINAL LAW AND THE IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL FORENSIC EXPERTISE

Abstract

The increasing digitalization of social relations and the intensive use of social networks have driven the rise of cybercrimes and digital fraud, challenging the effectiveness of Brazilian Criminal Law. This article aims to analyze the role of digital forensic expertise as an instrument for ensuring criminal justice in cases of cybercrimes committed on social networks. The research is justified by its social and legal relevance, given the need to strengthen mechanisms for investigation and criminal accountability in the virtual environment. Methodologically, this is a qualitative study based on bibliographic and documentary research, supported by authors such as Peck (2021), Teixeira (2022), and Cunha (2009), as well as case law from the Superior Court of Justice. The findings indicate that digital forensics is essential for collecting, preserving, and analyzing technical evidence, significantly contributing to the accountability of offenders and the construction of a safer digital environment. It is concluded that the effectiveness of criminal justice in the digital era depends on valuing technical evidence, training legal professionals, and promoting integration among law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and digital platforms. Therefore, digital forensic expertise represents a necessary advancement to address the challenges posed by informational crime, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and the credibility of the criminal justice system.