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
538 incidents
Sustained AI-Driven Russian Disinformation Campaigns Doppelgänger, Storm-1516, and Matryoshka Reportedly Disrupting German Federal Elections
Leading up to Germany’s February 23, 2025, federal election, the alleged Russian Doppelgänger, Storm-1516, and Matryoshka (Operation Overload) disinformation campaigns have reportedly been deploying AI-generated deepfake videos and fake news sites to spread false claims about German politicians and public figures. AI-powered bots have allegedly been amplifying the content across social media. Researchers suggest the campaign sought to erode trust in Germany’s democratic process. Germany's domestic intelligence agency (BfV) described the scale as unprecedented.
Purported Deepfake Nude Images of Students Circulated Without Consent at Valencia Educational Institute
Purported deepfake nude images of female students were circulated without consent at an educational institute in Valencia, Spain. At least 16 minors reported that original photographs had been digitally manipulated so they appeared completely naked, with some images shared via social media accounts created in victims' names. The alleged creation and distribution of the images is being examined under Spanish laws related to the protection of minors.
Ohio Man Pleaded Guilty after Prosecutors Alleged He Used AI to Create and Distribute Nonconsensual Intimate-Image Forgeries Including CSAM in Harassment Campaign
An Ohio man, James Strahler II, pleaded guilty in federal court after prosecutors alleged that, from late 2024 into mid-2025, he used AI tools to create and distribute nonconsensual intimate-image forgeries as part of a broader harassment campaign targeting at least six adult women. Authorities said the conduct also involved additional CSAM material. The Department of Justice said it believes this was the first U.S. conviction under the Take It Down Act.
Deepfake Videos Allegedly Used to Defraud Canadian Immigrants Out of Thousands of Dollars
Deepfake videos allegedly impersonated Toronto immigration lawyer Max Chaudhary, targeting Canadian immigrants via WhatsApp. The videos, appearing personal and realistic, requested thousands of dollars for legal services never rendered. Exploiting confusion caused by changing immigration rules, the scam reportedly aimed to defraud vulnerable individuals during a time of desperation and uncertainty.
Florida Woman Reportedly Jailed After Ex-Boyfriend Allegedly Submitted AI-Fabricated Text Screenshot as Bond-Violation Evidence
A Florida nurse, Melissa Sims, was reportedly jailed for two days for purportedly violating a bond/no-contact order. Reportedly, her ex-boyfriend produced purportedly AI-generated text messages or a "text receipt" attributed to her.
Yahoo Boys and Scammers from Morocco Allegedly Target U.S. Widows and Vulnerable Individuals with 'Artificial Patriot' Scams
Yahoo Boys (from Nigeria and Ghana) and scammers from Morocco are reportedly targeting U.S. widows and vulnerable individuals using AI-generated images and fake military profiles in "Artificial Patriot" scams. They have allegedly impersonated military officials such as General Matthew W. McFarlane to gain trust, sharing fabricated backstories and emotional appeals. Once trust is established, they request money through untraceable methods.
Purported AI-Generated Video Depicts Trump Urging Release of Nigerian Separatist Leader Nnamdi Kanu
A reportedly AI-manipulated video circulated on social media that falsely portrayed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump calling for the release of Nigerian separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu and threatening sanctions against Nigeria. The video allegedly used old footage paired with AI-generated audio mimicking Trump's voice. Fact-checkers identified the video as inauthentic, noting mismatched lip-sync, fabricated quotes, and the fictitious date of "November 31st."
Generative AI Plagiarism Incident at Hingham High School Reportedly Tied to Inaccurate Citation Outputs from Grammarly AI
In December 2023, two Hingham High School students ("RNH" and unnamed) reportedly used Grammarly to create a script for an AP U.S. History project. The AI-generated text included fabricated citations to nonexistent books, which the student copied and pasted without verification or acknowledgment of AI use. This violated the school's academic integrity policies, leading to disciplinary action. RNH's parents later sued the school district, but a federal court ruled in favor of the school.
Corinth School District Educator in Mississippi Allegedly Used AI to Generate CSAM of Students
An educator in the Corinth School District of Mississippi, Wilson Jones, was arrested for allegedly using AI to generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of students. A complaint was filed with the police on January 29th, 2025, and a search warrant was executed on March 3rd, 2025. The FBI allege that the crime was committed sometime on or before November 19th, 2024.
Alleged AI-Generated Scam Uses Bank of Cyprus Branding to Solicit Investments
An alleged fraudulent online platform presented as the "Bank of Cyprus Trading AI Platform" was promoted using reportedly fabricated media, including a video that appeared to depict the Bank's CEO endorsing the service. The video reportedly used misleading branding, including the BBC logo, and promised unrealistic investment returns. The Bank of Cyprus publicly denied any affiliation and warned customers about the use of AI-generated content in the scam.
Students of Richland School District in Cambria County, Pennsylvania Allegedly Used AI to Generate Obscene Images of Other Students
The Richland School District (Cambria County, Pennsylvania) released a statement on November 19, 2024 announcing an investigation into "some secondary students" who are alleged to have used AI to "create and electronically distribute obscene images of Richland students." The school administrators became aware of the incident on November 14, 2024.
Purportedly AI-Generated Video Allegedly Depicts Martin Luther King Jr. Supporting Donald Trump
A purported deepfake video allegedly depicting Martin Luther King Jr. endorsing Donald Trump circulated on X, where it was reported to have been viewed over 10 million times. The video, reportedly created by pro-Trump accounts, was reportedly condemned by King's daughter, Bernice King, who called it "vile" and demanded its removal.
Reportedly Fake CNN Broadcast Allegedly Used to Spread False Texas Election Results
A reportedly fabricated CNN broadcast graphic showing early Texas election results for the 2024 U.S. presidential race circulated on social media on November 2, 2024. The purportedly manipulated image claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris led over Donald Trump before polls opened, allegedly fueling misinformation about election integrity. CNN is reported to have confirmed the image was inauthentic, and AFP debunked the claims.
Deepfake Videos of Barbara O’Neill Allegedly Used in Health Scam Targeting Social Media Users
Deepfake videos of Barbara O’Neill, an Australian alternative health advocate banned from giving medical advice, have allegedly been used in fraudulent social media ads promoting false health cures. They include treatments for prostate issues and erectile dysfunction. These manipulated videos have been widely circulated across African countries. The scam directs users to deceptive websites, potentially for phishing or financial fraud. O’Neill has denied involvement.
AI-Generated Airline Reviews Allegedly Mislead Consumers and Undermine Trust
AI-generated reviews of airline services have reportedly increased by 189% since the release of ChatGPT, with certain carriers like China Southern Airlines and SouthWest Airlines disproportionately affected, according to a study by Originality.ai.