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
ISIS Utilizes AI for Propaganda Videos in News Harvest Program
ISIS supporters have created an AI-generated media program called News Harvest to disseminate propaganda videos. The program produces near-weekly broadcasts featuring AI-generated news anchors discussing ISIS operations globally, using cheap and easy-to-use AI tools. This development showcases the use of AI as a powerful propaganda tool for extremist groups.
Purported Deepfake Disinformation Aired on Russian State TV Allegedly Linking Ukraine to Moscow Attack
Russian state television reportedly aired a fabricated video that appeared to imitate senior Ukrainian security officials and present a false admission of involvement in the Crocus City Hall massacre. The clip reportedly used elements from recent interviews combined with allegedly AI-generated audio to create a misleading confession. ISIS-K is reported to have publicly claimed responsibility, while independent analysts and governments have rejected the narrative promoted through the video.
Investigation Reports Unauthorized Deepfake Pornography Harms Thousands of Celebrities
A Channel 4 News investigation alleges that nearly 4,000 celebrities globally, including 255 British figures, were victims of deepfake pornography. Faces were superimposed onto explicit content using AI, with the top deepfake sites garnering 100 million views in three months, according to their findings.
Manipulated Media via AI Disinformation and Deepfakes in 2024 Elections Erode Trust Across More Than 50 Countries
AI-driven election disinformation is escalating globally, leveraging easy-to-use generative AI tools to create convincing deepfakes that mislead voters. This shift has simplified the process for individuals to generate fake content, having already eroded trust in elections by undermining public trust and manipulating voter perceptions. Evidence has, for example, been documented in incidents across the U.S., Moldova, Slovakia, Bangladesh, and Taiwan.
Cartels Reportedly Using AI to Expand Operations into Financial Fraud and Human Trafficking
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is reportedly using AI to expand its financial fraud and human trafficking operations, coercing individuals into illegal activities under the guise of legitimate jobs. INTERPOL warns that this integration of AI into criminal enterprises is a growing trend among cartels across Europe, Asia, and Africa as well.
22 Students at Richmond-Burton Community High School in Illinois Targeted by Deepfake Nudes
22 students at Richmond-Burton Community High School in Illinois were targeted in the creation of deepfake nudes. One of the students, Stevie Hyder, was targeted by classmates who used deepfake technology to alter her April 2023 prom picture into nude pictures, which were then circulated on social media. Two unnamed minors were arrested in late April 2024.
AI-Generated Images of Trump with Black Voters Spread as Disinformation Before U.S. Primary Elections
In the run-up to the U.S. primary elections, supporters of Donald Trump shared AI-generated images showing him with Black voters in an attempt to sway African-American votes. These deepfakes, including Trump's distorted hand visuals, were initially created by satirical accounts but were later misappropriated for political disinformation, misleading millions on social media platforms.
Russia-Linked AI CopyCop Site Identified as Modifying and Producing at Least 19,000 Deceptive Reports
In early March 2024, a network named CopyCop began publishing modified news stories using AI, altering content to spread partisan biases and disinformation. These articles, initially from legitimate sources, were manipulated by AI models, possibly developed by OpenAI, to disseminate Russian propaganda. Over 19,000 articles were published, targeting divisive political issues and creating false narratives.
Over 400 Purportedly AI-Driven Scams Reportedly Led to $8M Loss for Australians in 2023
In 2023, Australians reportedly lost over $8 million to scams involving purported deepfake videos and fake news articles that falsely endorsed investment trading platforms. Scammers reportedly used AI-generated content featuring celebrities to mislead victims, leading to significant financial losses. The National Anti-Scam Centre received over 400 reports of these incidents. One man is reported to have lost over $80,000 in cryptocurrency.
Fake AI-Generated Law Firms Sent Fake DMCA Notices to Increase SEO
In March 2024, fake law firms using AI-generated identities sent fraudulent DMCA takedown notices to website owners, demanding backlinks for SEO gains. These AI-generated law firms, like "Commonwealth Legal," used GAN models for realistic attorney images and fabricated bios. The scam involved fake legal threats to coerce site owners into adding backlinks, exploiting AI technology for deceptive practices.
Deepfake ID Sales Allegedly Persist as OnlyFake Reportedly Relaunches with New Fraud Tools
Researchers from Au10tix discovered the relaunch of OnlyFake, a site offering AI-generated fake IDs. Despite an earlier takedown, the site reemerged with disclaimers and new tools, including handwritten signature generation. These fakes are challenging biometric verification systems and are reportedly being used to perpetuate fraudulent activity.
Nonconsensual Deepfake Porn of Bobbi Althoff Spreads Rapidly on X
Nonconsensual deepfake pornography of Bobbi Althoff, which had been in circulation for six months, is reported to have suddenly gone viral on X, jumping from around 178,000 views to 6.5 million views over a matter of hours. In addition to the harm to Althoff, this incident also spotlights X's role in distributing AI-generated nonconsensual porn due to alleged lax moderation.
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.
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.