Indonesia warns AI-driven news production could spread misinformation through data poisoning

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, warned that journalists increasingly depend on artificial intelligence to produce articles without direct reporting, exposing them to "data poisoning" where inaccurate data feeds generate false news. He emphasized that this trend threatens the fundamental principle of truth in journalism and could harm the media industry's credibility. To counter the risk, the ministry released a circular demanding that AI tools be used responsibly and that information be cross-checked for accuracy.

The directive also references ethical standards formulated by the Press Council. Patria urged the public to stay vigilant against misinformation, disinformation, and hoaxes that may arise from unchecked AI outputs.