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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students at a Beverly Hills Middle School Allegedly Created and Shared Deepfake Nudes of Their Classmates
At Beverly Vista Middle School in Beverly Hills, California, students allegedly used AI to generate fake nude photos with their classmates' faces, prompting investigations by school officials and the police. The incident highlights the increasing misuse of generative AI among minors.
Two Florida Middle School Students Arrested Under New Law for Allegedly Having Made and Shared Deepfake Nudes of Their Classmates
Two teenaged boys from Miami, Florida, were arrested for allegedly creating and sharing AI-generated nude images of their classmates. Charged under a 2022 Florida law, they face third-degree felonies for producing and disseminating altered sexual depictions.
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.
Underground Market for LLMs Powers Malware and Phishing Scams
A study by Indiana University researchers uncovered widespread misuse of large language models (LLMs) for cybercrime. Cybercriminals, according to that study, use LLMs like OpenAI's GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 to create malware, phishing scams, and scam websites. These models are available on underground markets, often bypassing safety checks through jailbreaking. Named malicious LLMs are BadGPT, XXXGPT, Evil-GPT, WormGPT, FraudGPT, BLACKHATGPT, EscapeGPT, DarkGPT, and WolfGPT.
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.
Male student allegedly used AI to generate nude photos of female classmates at a high school in Issaquah, Washington
At a high school in Issaquah, Washington, a male student is reported to have used deepfake technology to alter pictures of several female classmates and then shared them.