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
368 incidents
Alleged State-Sponsored Hackers Escalate Purported Phishing Attacks Using Artificial Intelligence
State-sponsored hackers from North Korea, Iran, Russia, and China are reportedly leveraging artificial intelligence to conduct sophisticated phishing and social engineering attacks. They target global defense, cybersecurity, and cryptocurrency sectors, aiming to steal sensitive information and, in the case of North Korea, cryptocurrencies to help fund its illicit nuclear program.
Deepfake Generated by the Lincoln Project of Trump's Father Used in Political Attack Ad
The Lincoln Project used AI to create a deepfake video of Donald Trump's deceased father criticizing him. Although they made it clear that the video was a deepfake, the deeply personal nature of the attack represents a corrosive use of artificial intelligence in undermining democratic norms during an election cycle.
Deepfake of Long-Deceased Suharto Circulating in Run-up to February 2024 Indonesian Elections
An AI-generated deepfake of Suharto, the deceased Indonesian dictator, was generated and circulated by the Golkar Party ahead of the February 2024 Indonesian elections. This video, which aimed to influence voter perceptions by invoking Suharto's legacy, sought to manipulate public opinion and misused deceased individuals' likenesses for political gain. The incident is another example of political deepfakes creating convincing misinformation.
Many Purported Political Deepfakes Reportedly Circulating in Run-up to 2024 Pakistani General Elections
During Pakistan's 2024 general elections, purportedly AI-generated deepfakes of a politically motivated nature were circulated. These deepfakes reportedly portrayed political figures in misleading contexts, spreading misinformation and aiming to influence voter perceptions and election outcomes.
Glasgow Man Allegedly Used AI Tool to Create and Share Nonconsensual Deepfake Nude Images of Former Classmate
In February 2024, a Glasgow man, Callum Brooks, reportedly used an AI-powered image-alteration tool to create deepfake nude images of a woman he knew from school by modifying her publicly posted social media photos. He allegedly sent the fabricated intimate images to two friends without her consent. The woman was reportedly embarrassed and distressed after learning of the images. Brooks pled guilty in Glasgow Sheriff Court and was fined £335.
GOP Pollster Reportedly Shares Purportedly AI-Generated Images to Fabricate Appearance of Black Voter Support
Purportedly AI-generated images circulated by GOP pollster Patrick Ruffini reportedly depicted Black men appearing to support the Republican Party shortly before Black History Month. The allegedly fabricated photos created a misleading impression of racial diversity within the GOP and may have shaped public perception. The episode raises concerns about the reported use of AI to distort political representation and the potential impact on Black communities.
Network of 171 AI-Powered Bots Reportedly Spread Political Disinformation Ahead of Ghana’s December 2024 General Election
A network of 171 bot accounts on X are alleged to have used ChatGPT to generate political content supporting Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its presidential candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia, ahead of the December 2024 election. The AI-generated posts reportedly praised Bawumia while spreading disinformation targeting the opposition candidate, John Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Fake Biden Voice in Robocall Misleads New Hampshire Democratic Voters in 2024 Primary Election
A robocall imitating President Biden's voice urged New Hampshire Democrats to skip the 2024 primary, falsely claiming their votes mattered more in November. Investigators with the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, along with other state AGs, the Industry Traceback Group, and the FCC determined that political consultant Steve Kramer hired Paul Carpenter to create the deepfake, which was distributed by Walter Monk's company, Life Corporation. Rep. Dean Phillips, who employed Kramer, has distanced himself from the incident. Kathy Sullivan, the former New Hampshire Democratic Party chair, was falsely impersonated in the caller ID data used for the robocalls.
High School Athletic Director in Baltimore County Allegedly Created Racist Deepfake Audio Impersonating Principal
Dazhon Darien, former athletic director at Pikesville High School in Baltimore, allegedly used AI to create a purported deepfake audio clip impersonating Principal Eric Eiswert, embedding racist and antisemitic remarks. According to reports, the clip was intended to discredit Eiswert and was widely circulated, with some accounts linking it to threats and his placement on administrative leave. On April 28, 2025, Darien was reportedly sentenced to four months in jail after pleading guilty to disturbing school operations.
Coordinated Deepfake Campaign Reportedly Impersonating Rishi Sunak Promoted Fraudulent Quantum AI Investment Platform on Meta
143 deepfake ads, over 100 of which reportedly impersonated former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, were promoted on Meta's platform to advertise the fraudulent investment scheme "Quantum AI." Funding for the ads reportedly originated from 23 countries. Up to 462,000 users may have been exposed to the false content. The campaign used generative AI tools to create high-quality misinformation, including spoofed BBC news clips for added legitimacy
Presidency of Moldova Reportedly Refutes Purported Deepfake Video Slandering President Maia Sandu
A deepfake video reportedly depicting President Maia Sandu's image and voice was released in Moldova, allegedly portraying her in a negative light to sow division and undermine democratic institutions. This video reportedly appeared on Telegram and was linked to Russian disinformation efforts.
Deepfake Video Reportedly Depicts U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman Endorsing Military Support for Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party
A deepfake video is reported to have falsely depicted U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman endorsing military support for Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party candidates in the 2024 presidential election. Shared on TikTok, the video is reported to have undermined Taiwanese voter confidence in the DPP by alleging U.S. interference. Fact-checking from AFP finds Wittman never made the statements attributed to him.
Proliferation of Deepfakes Disrupting 2024 Lok Sabha Elections
Digital manipulators in India are using deepfake technology to influence the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. These AI-generated videos and audio clips are designed to tarnish the reputations of political candidates, challenging the integrity of electoral processes.
Social Media Scammers Used Deepfakes of Taylor Swift and Several Other Celebrities in Fraudulent Le Creuset Cookware Giveaways
Scammers reportedly made deepfakes of Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Joanna Gaines, Lainey Wilson, Ree Drummond, Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, Trisha Yearwood, Martha Stewart, and Blake Shelton promoting a Le Creuset giveaway. These AI-generated ads, appearing on Meta and TikTok, falsely claimed users could receive free cookware by paying a small shipping fee. Victims were unknowingly enrolled in a costly monthly subscription.
Deepfake Nudes Targeting Underage Female Students at Collège Béliveau in Winnipeg Shared Online
At Collège Béliveau in Winnipeg, female students between grades 7-12 were targeted in the creation of deepfake nudes, which were then distributed online. Specific numbers and identities of victims and perpetrators were not released, and no charges were ultimately filed owing to the gap between existing laws and the nature of the incident.