Deontological Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: A Legal Perspective on Accountability and Human Rights Protection in Indonesia

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed governance, legal systems, and political communication, offering both opportunities and significant ethical challenges. Among the most pressing concerns are accountability, transparency, algorithmic bias, and the protection of fundamental human rights. This study aims to analyze the application of deontological ethics in AI governance from a legal perspective, with a particular focus on accountability and human rights protection in Indonesia. This research employs a normative juridical method, utilizing statute, conceptual, and comparative approaches. It examines ethical theories, legal frameworks, and global regulatory developments, including the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act, while also incorporating a case study on the use of AI and deepfake technology in Indonesian political communication. The findings indicate that deontological ethics provides a strong normative foundation by emphasizing moral duties, respect for human dignity, and adherence to universal principles. The study also reveals that Indonesia currently lacks a comprehensive AI-specific legal framework, creating regulatory gaps that increase the risk of misuse, particularly in political contexts and digital information ecosystems. This study concludes that integrating deontological principles into AI governance is essential to ensure accountability, protect human rights, and maintain democratic integrity. It further recommends the development of comprehensive AI regulation, ethical oversight mechanisms, and increased public awareness to address emerging risks in the digital era.