Strengthening Legal Protection AI-Based Cyber Exploitation and Online Human Trafficking: Human Rights Approach in Indonesia

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed digital interaction, but its misuse has created new forms of cyber exploitation and online human trafficking. Technologies such as deepfake, synthetic identity, and AI-driven social engineering enable perpetrators to manipulate, recruit, and exploit vulnerable individuals through digital platforms. This paper aims to analyze the adequacy of Indonesia’s legal framework in addressing AI-based cyber exploitation and online human trafficking and to formulate a human rights-oriented legal protection model. This study employs normative legal research using statutory, conceptual, comparative, and philosophical approaches. The analysis examines Indonesian laws, international legal instruments, AI governance principles, and human rights perspectives related to digital exploitation. The results indicate that Indonesia has established legal instruments concerning human trafficking, electronic crimes, data protection, and child protection; however, existing regulations remain insufficient to address AI-specific challenges, including algorithmic accountability, digital evidence authentication, victim protection, and cross-border law enforcement. This paper proposes strengthening legal protection through adaptive AI regulation, enhanced digital investigation capacity, victim-centered protection mechanisms, international cooperation, and ethical AI governance based on human rights principles.