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
197 incidents
Deepfakes Circulating and Eroding Electoral Integrity in the Lead-up to 2024 South Korean legislative election
In the lead-up to Korea's parliamentary elections, at least 129 deepfake videos and images were reported to have been detected, violating new election laws. These AI-generated deepfakes were used to mislead and manipulate public opinion, prompting a crackdown by the National Election Commission.
Deepfake Audio Falsely Attributes Controversial Remarks to Keir Starmer About the Rochdale Azhar Ali Crisis
A deepfake audio clip, falsely claiming to be Keir Starmer discussing the Rochdale byelection and Labour's withdrawl of support for Azhar Ali, circulated online, achieving over 250,000 views. Experts confirmed its inauthenticity, highlighting a significant misuse of AI in fabricating political content.
Purported Deepfake Video Allegedly Claims Kyiv's Assassination Plan Against President Emmanuel Macron
A purported deepfake video reportedly claimed France 24 reported a Kyiv plot to assassinate French President Macron. This reported fake news was debunked by France 24, which confirmed the video was altered and did not air any such report.
Alleged Deepfake Audio of Imran Khan Calls for Election Boycott, Misleading Pakistan Voters
A purported deepfake audio clip, falsely attributed to Imran Khan urging a PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) election boycott, circulated on social media on the eve of Pakistan's general elections. This sophisticated AI-generated misinformation aimed to mislead voters, highlighting the growing challenge of digital manipulation in political discourse.
Purported Russian-Linked Network Allegedly Used Deepfake of Maria Ressa on Facebook and Bing to Promote Cryptocurrency Scam Targeting Filipinos
A purportedly Russian-linked scam network allegedly circulated an AI-generated deepfake of journalist Maria Ressa on Facebook and Microsoft Bing. The video reportedly manipulated a 2022 interview to falsely depict Ressa endorsing cryptocurrency. Fraudulent websites allegedly impersonating Rappler and CNN Philippines reportedly amplified the scam. Investigators reportedly linked the operation to a fraudulent network targeting Filipino audiences. Meta and Microsoft removed the content, but similar scams allegedly continue to resurface.
Alleged Deepfake CFO Scam Reportedly Costs Multinational Engineering Firm Arup $25 Million
A finance employee at the multinational engineering firm Arup was reportedly deceived into transferring $25 million by fraudsters using purported deepfake technology to impersonate the firm's CFO in a video call, according to the Hong Kong police.
Purported Deepfake of Andrew Forrest Used to Promote Fraudulent 'Quantum AI' Crypto Platform on Facebook
Cybertrace reportedly identified a purported deepfake of Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest circulating on Facebook on January 27, 2024, falsely depicting him endorsing a fraudulent crypto platform called Quantum AI. The video reportedly altered footage from a 2023 Rhodes Trust talk. Forrest reportedly condemned Meta for failing to curb AI-generated frauds.
Significant Increase in Deepfake Nudes of Taylor Swift Circulating on Social Media
AI-generated sexually explicit images of Taylor Swift circulated on X, garnering over 45 million views before removal. Originating from a Telegram group, these deepfakes challenge content moderation, as X's policies against synthetic media and nonconsensual nudity were violated.
Purportedly AI-Manipulated Medical Scam Advertisement Reportedly Used Bulgarian TV Host and Physician's Likenesses
A purportedly AI-manipulated scam advertisement circulating online appeared to use the likenesses and altered media of Bulgarian television host Simeon Ivanov and physician Spas Spaskov to promote an unregistered purported joint-treatment product. They reportedly denied involvement, and the product was described in reporting as ineffective.
Scams Reportedly Impersonating Wealthy Investors Proliferating on Facebook
Scams are reportedly proliferating throughout Facebook impersonating wealthy individuals such as Bill Ackman, Cathie Wood, Steve Cohen, Peter Lynch, and Ray Dalio. In some cases, it seems deepfake technology is being employed, while simultaneously Facebook's own AI systems are allegedly faltering in their ability to halt the spread of these fraudulent ads despite being reported.
Alleged Deepfake of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Promotes Cryptocurrency Scam in Fake Interview
A deepfake video falsely depicted Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong promoting a cryptocurrency investment scam. Scammers used AI-generated voice cloning and manipulated footage from official events to create a convincing but fraudulent video interview with China Global Television Network. Lee warned the public and urged reporting through the ScamShield Bot.
Manipulated Deepfake Video of Lai Ching-te Endorsing Rivals in Lead-up to January Presidential Elections
In the lead-up to Taiwan's presidential election in January 2024, a deepfake video circulated showing candidate Lai Ching-te endorsing his rivals. Taiwanese intelligence issued warnings of intensified Chinese disinformation campaigns, such as Spamouflage, aimed at manipulating the election outcome.
Alleged Deepfake of Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Falsely Shows Him Endorsing Commercial Products
A deepfake video falsely depicting Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong endorsing commercial products circulated online in December 2023. Wong publicly denied the endorsement, warning that scammers had used AI-generated deepfake technology to impersonate him. The manipulated media aimed to mislead the public into believing he promoted fraudulent investments. Wong urged vigilance against AI-driven scams and encouraged reporting through the ScamShield Bot on WhatsApp.
Video with Reportedly AI-Generated Audio Purported to Show Croatian Footballer Luka Modrić Endorsing Immediate Matrix on Facebook Page Presented as N1 HR
A Facebook page presented as N1 HR, a Croatian news outlet, posted a video that purported to show Croatian footballer Luka Modrić endorsing the investment platform Immediate Matrix and promising returns of up to €4,000 per month. The clip was reported to use AI-generated audio and to link to an Index-style article promoting the scheme.
Deepfake Video Circulating of British Labour Leader Keir Starmer Touting an Investment Scheme
A deepfake video was circulating around social media of British Labour leader Keir Starmer touting an investment scheme.