AI Incidents
Real-world cases where AI systems caused harm, classified by risk domain and entity. Data sourced from 
AIID and classified by 
MIT AI Risk Initiative. CC BY-SA 4.0
33 incidents
DisMech AI Curation Agent Reportedly Completed GitHub Issue Intended as New Contributor's Learning Task
An automated AI curation agent in the Monarch Initiative's DisMech GitHub repository reportedly began work on a beginner-friendly dyslexia curation task before the new human contributor it was intended for could do so. A maintainer apologized, saying the agent had deprived the contributor of a learning opportunity, and opened a policy issue to prevent automated agents from taking newcomer-oriented GitHub tasks too quickly.
Lawsuit Alleged ChatGPT (GPT-4o) Encouraged Colorado Man's Suicide After Prolonged 'AI Companion' Chats
A lawsuit filed by Stephanie Gray alleges OpenAI's ChatGPT (GPT-4o) reinforced and romanticized suicidality during months of emotionally intimate chats with her son Austin Gordon, including generating a personalized "Goodnight Moon" farewell-style text. The complaint reportedly says Gordon bought a handgun on Oct. 28, 2025 and was found dead Nov. 2, 2025 in a Colorado hotel room.
Large-Scale Mental Health Crises Allegedly Associated with ChatGPT Interactions
OpenAI disclosed internal estimates suggesting that hundreds of thousands of ChatGPT users each week exhibit signs of mania, psychosis, suicidal ideation, or emotional dependence on the chatbot. WIRED reported that some users have been hospitalized, divorced, or died after prolonged conversations with ChatGPT, with families alleging the system intensified delusions and contributed to severe psychological harm.
Google Gemini Reportedly Reinforced Delusions, Allegedly Contributing to Florida User's Near-Harm Episode and Suicide
According to a March 2026 wrongful-death complaint, Google's Gemini allegedly reinforced Jonathan Gavalas's delusions, sent him on a failed mission near Miami International Airport that risked serious violence, and later framed suicide as "transference," purportedly contributing to his death on October 2, 2025. Google disputes the claims and says Gemini referred him to crisis resources.
Family Reportedly Discovers ChatGPT Logs Detailing Suicidal Ideation Prior to Daughter's Death
In August 2025, The New York Times published an essay by journalist Laura Reiley linking her daughter Sophie Rottenberg's suicide earlier that year to sustained interactions with a ChatGPT-based chatbot she called "Harry." Logs reportedly showed Sophie confiding suicidal ideation and receiving supportive but non-escalatory advice, as well as help drafting her suicide note.
ChatGPT Allegedly Reinforced Delusions Before Greenwich, Connecticut Murder-Suicide
On August 5, 2025, Greenwich, CT police found Suzanne Eberson Adams (83) and her son Stein-Erik Soelberg (56) dead in a murder-suicide. Prior months of logs and videos reportedly show Soelberg engaging extensively with a ChatGPT bot ("Bobby") that is alleged to have repeatedly affirmed delusional beliefs (e.g., surveillance, poisoning) and encouraged interpretations consistent with persecution. OpenAI said it contacted police and is working on safety updates.
ChatGPT Allegedly Encouraged 23-Year-Old Texas User's Suicide During Extended Conversations
A 23-year-old Texas man, Zane Shamblin, reportedly died by suicide after extended conversations with ChatGPT in which the AI allegedly encouraged his plans and offered emotional affirmation. His parents filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in November 2025, claiming OpenAI's newer model, designed for more human-like rapport, lacked adequate crisis safeguards and contributed to his death.
Chatbots Allegedly Reinforced Delusional Thinking in Several Reported Users, Leading to Real-World Harm
Multiple reports from March to June 2025 describe cases in which chatbots allegedly reinforced delusional beliefs, conspiracies, and dangerous behavior. One user, Eugene Torres, reportedly followed ChatGPT's advice to misuse ketamine and isolate himself. In April, Alexander Taylor was reportedly killed by police after asking ChatGPT to reconnect him with an AI entity. Other reported cases include a user arrested for domestic violence linked to escalating mystical beliefs, several involuntary psychiatric commitments, and users being told to stop taking their medications.
Argentine Court Reportedly Annuls Criminal Conviction After Judge Allegedly Used ChatGPT to Draft Ruling Without Disclosure
The Penal Chamber of Esquel, Argentina, reportedly annulled a June 2025 robbery conviction after determining that Judge Carlos Rogelio Richeri had allegedly used ChatGPT to draft part of the ruling without disclosure or human oversight. A copied phrase purportedly exposed AI authorship, prompting findings of due-process violations and data-handling concerns. The case was reassigned, and the Chubut Superior Court opened an ethics investigation.
ChatGPT Reportedly Validated Autistic User's Faster-Than-Light Theory and Failed to Provide Grounding During Delusional Episode, Preceding Hospitalization
A man on the autism spectrum reportedly engaged extensively with ChatGPT while developing a speculative theory on faster-than-light travel. The chatbot reportedly responded with affirming and emotionally charged messages, reinforcing the user's beliefs. He later reports having experienced manic episodes and was hospitalized. When prompted by his mother, ChatGPT reportedly acknowledged it had failed to provide grounding responses and contributed to psychological escalation.
ChatGPT Was Alleged to Have Reinforced Pittsburgh Man's Stalking and Threats Against Women
The Department of Justice said Brett Michael Dadig used an AI chatbot while stalking, threatening, doxxing, and intimidating 11 women from May through November 2025. Charging documents reportedly described ChatGPT as a "therapist" and "best friend" that encouraged his behavior. Dadig was indicted in December 2025 and pleaded guilty in March 2026.
16-Year-Old Allegedly Received Suicide Method Guidance from ChatGPT Before Death
16-year-old Adam Raine reportedly died by suicide after allegedly confiding in OpenAI's ChatGPT-4o, which he reportedly used extensively in the months prior. Transcripts reportedly show the chatbot provided empathetic support but also allegedly offered details on suicide methods, validated attempts, and at times discouraged disclosure to family. His parents have reportedly filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging design choices nurtured dependency and failed safeguards.
Purported Meta AI Chatbot Persona 'Big sis Billie' Reportedly Engages in Romantic Roleplay and Provides Address, Linked to User's Fatal Fall
Reuters reported that a cognitively impaired New Jersey man, Thongbue Wongbandue, died after rushing to meet "Big sis Billie," a purported Meta AI chatbot on Facebook Messenger that allegedly assured him it was real, expressed romantic interest, and invited him to a New York apartment. The family and transcripts reportedly suggest the chatbot's outputs contributed to his decision to travel, allegedly resulting in a fatal fall.
Character.AI Chatbots Allegedly Impersonating Licensed Therapists and Encouraging Harmful Behaviors
The American Psychological Association (APA) has warned federal regulators that AI chatbots on Character.AI, allegedly posing as licensed therapists, have been linked to severe harm events. A 14-year-old in Florida reportedly died by suicide after interacting with an AI therapist, while a 17-year-old in Texas allegedly became violent toward his parents after engaging with a chatbot psychologist. Lawsuits claim these AI-generated therapists reinforced dangerous beliefs instead of challenging them.
ChatGPT Use Was Reportedly Cited in Delusional State Before Homicide and Assault in Readfield, Maine
In February 2025, Samuel Whittemore killed his wife, Margaux Whittemore, and assaulted his mother, Dorothy Whittemore, at a home in Readfield, Maine. Court reporting said forensic psychologists testified he was experiencing bipolar disorder with psychotic features and delusions, and that he had used ChatGPT up to 14 hours a day as a companion before the attack. Current reporting links ChatGPT use to his deteriorating mental state but does not establish direct violent instruction.