GLOBAL INVESTIGASI NEWS, Merangin, June 6, 2026 – The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has brought numerous benefits to digital life, enabling innovation in communication, creativity, and information sharing. However, experts have also warned that the technology can be misused in ways that may harm individuals, including through the manipulation of digital images that could affect a person’s reputation and dignity.
AI is a technology designed to simulate human intelligence by learning from data, recognizing patterns, making decisions, and generating various forms of digital content. Today, AI is widely used to create text, images, videos, and other creative works.
In Merangin Regency, a female journalist from Global Investigasi News, identified as Sepni, has claimed to be the victim of alleged digital harassment and cyberbullying involving a photograph that she believes was edited using AI technology. The alleged perpetrator, identified only by the initials AL, is reportedly a Deputy Editor-in-Chief of an online media outlet.
According to Sepni, her photograph was allegedly manipulated and circulated on social media in a manner she considers inappropriate and damaging to her reputation as both a woman and a journalist.
“I feel deeply harmed by this incident. My photo was used as material for what I consider an inappropriate joke, one that has affected my family’s dignity and tarnished my honor as a woman. I had already warned the person involved, but the response I received was mocking in nature,” Sepni told this news outlet.
Sepni stated that she has reported the matter to the management of Global Investigasi News in Bandung. She believes that the issue not only affects her personal reputation but may also have implications for the image and credibility of the media organization where she works.
Meanwhile, a journalist in Merangin who requested anonymity said he was aware of the dispute and had previously advised AL against engaging in actions that could create tensions within the journalism community.
“I once reminded him not to do such things because we are fellow journalists. However, he regarded it merely as a joke. In my opinion, this issue has crossed into a personal matter and should be taken seriously,” the journalist said.
Cyberbullying and online harassment are forms of misconduct that can threaten an individual’s sense of security, dignity, and reputation in the digital environment. In Indonesia, protections related to individual rights in the digital sphere are provided under several regulations, including Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights and Law No. 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection.
As of the publication of this report, AL has not issued an official statement regarding the allegations. The editorial team is continuing efforts to contact the individual concerned in order to obtain confirmation and clarification, in accordance with the principle of balanced and fair reporting.
The editorial board of Global Investigasi News stated that it will continue to monitor developments in the case and provide opportunities for all parties involved to exercise their right of reply, in accordance with Indonesia’s Press Law and the Journalistic Code of Ethics.
(Fik / Global Investigasi News Jambi)
Catatan Redaksi: Versi ini menggunakan frasa seperti “alleged”, “claimed”, dan “reportedly” untuk menjaga asas praduga tak bersalah serta prinsip keberimbangan dalam pemberitaan.
About the Author
