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
271 incidents
Algorithmic Bias in French Welfare System Allegedly Discriminates Against Marginalized Groups
A coalition of 15 human rights groups has launched legal action against the French government alleging that an algorithm used to detect welfare fraud discriminates against single mothers and disabled people. The algorithm assigns risk scores based on personal data. The process allegedly subjects vulnerable recipients to invasive investigations, violates privacy and anti-discrimination laws, and disproportionately affects marginalized groups.
Infinite Campus AI-Driven Student Risk Model Leads to Cuts in Support for Nevada's Low-Income Schools
An AI system developed by Infinite Campus and deployed by Nevada to identify at-risk students reportedly led to a sharp reduction in the number classified as needing support, dropping from 270,000 to 65,000. The reclassification allegedly caused significant budget cuts in schools serving low-income populations. The drastic reduction in identified at-risk students reportedly left thousands of vulnerable children without resources and support.
ProKYC Tool Allegedly Facilitates Deepfake-Based Account Fraud on Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Cato CTRL security researchers reported that the cybercriminal group ProKYC is selling a deepfake tool capable of bypassing biometric and two-factor authentication (2FA) systems on cryptocurrency exchanges. The tool creates synthetic identities using AI-generated videos and forged documents, enabling fraudulent account creation. A demo video from ProKYC shows the tool in action against ByBit, allowing attackers to verify fake accounts for purposes such as money laundering and identity theft.
Purportedly AI-Driven Phishing Scam Uses Spoofed Google Call to Attempt Gmail Breach of Security Expert
Scammers allegedly used a purportedly AI-generated voice to impersonate a Google representative in an attempt to steal Gmail account credentials from security expert Sam Mitrovic. The reportedly AI-driven phishing call used a spoofed Google phone number and a fabricated email, making the scam appear legitimate. Mitrovic reportedly noted that the caller's professional demeanor, coupled with AI-generated speech and a Google-related number, could easily deceive unsuspecting users.
Purportedly AI-Manipulated Video Allegedly Targets Moldovan Economic Development Minister Dumitru Alaiba in Election Disinformation Campaign
A purportedly AI-manipulated video and some photos circulated online depicting Moldova's Economic Development Minister, Dumitru Alaiba, in compromising situations as part of an alleged disinformation campaign by pro-Kremlin supporters, one that has been reported to rely on AI to generate fake content. Alaiba reportedly denounced the purported synthetic media as having been released to mislead the public and influence Moldova's elections by undermining his reputation and the government's pro-European Union stance.
Purportedly AI-Generated Images Reportedly Spread Misinformation During Hurricane Helene Response
During Hurricane Helene (September 24-29, 2024), purportedly AI-generated images circulated on social media, reportedly misleading the public and hindering disaster response efforts. Reportedly fake images including animals stranded on rooftops and political figures in floodwaters added confusion and disrupted emergency management. The spread of these images allegedly exacerbated existing challenges, including power outages and communication failures, all of which led to complications providing accurate information to those in need.
Senator Ben Cardin Reportedly Received a Purported Deepfake Zoom Call Impersonating Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba
Senator Ben Cardin was reportedly targeted with a purported deepfake on a Zoom call that appeared to imitate former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. The allegedly AI-generated video reproduced his likeness and voice but drew attention when the caller asked unusual questions.
AI-Generated Media Reportedly Used in Russian Disinformation Campaign in Moldova
Russian-linked entities allegedly deployed AI-generated images and videos to spread disinformation aimed at swaying Moldova’s referendum on E.U. membership. The AI-enhanced media campaign included fabricated stories and doctored visuals, the purpose of which was reportedly designed to amplify fear and undermine pro-E.U. sentiment in the days leading up to the referendum.
Purportedly AI-Generated Audio Allegedly Fabricates Biden's Admission of Role in Pakistani Political Crisis
A purported deepfake audio file is alleged to have falsely claimed that U.S. President Joe Biden conspired with Pakistan's Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, to remove former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022. Widely shared online, the audio is reported to have exploited generative AI to spread political misinformation.
Purported Deepfake of Brian May Allegedly Exploited in Scam Offering Fake Queen Backstage Tickets
Scammers allegedly created an AI-generated deepfake of Queen guitarist Brian May, reportedly posting a video on TikTok in which the fake May offers backstage tickets to a Queen concert. The real Brian May reportedly warned fans about this "disgusting" scam, emphasizing that Queen has no tour dates planned and does not sell backstage access.
Clearview AI Reportedly Faces $33.7 Million Fine for Violating GDPR with Biometric Data Harvesting
Clearview AI was reportedly fined $33.7 million by the Dutch data protection authority for allegedly creating an illegal facial recognition database by scraping billions of images from the Internet without consent. The company allegedly used AI to convert these images into biometric data and sold the service to law enforcement. This act was reportedly in violation of privacy laws and the GDPR.
53% of American and British Businesses Report Attacks by AI-Powered Deepfake Scams in 2024
According to Medius, Deepfake scams have targeted 53% of businesses in the U.S. and U.K., with 43% falling victim. Using AI to create realistic fake videos and audio of corporate executives, scammers have successfully stolen millions, including $25 million from British engineering group Arup.
Russian Disinformation Campaign Allegedly Used Fake News Site 'KBSF-San Francisco News' and Deepfake Video to Falsely Accuse Kamala Harris of 2011 Hit-and-Run
A Russian disinformation campaign allegedly used a fake news site, "KBSF-San Francisco News," and an AI-generated deepfake video to falsely accuse Kamala Harris of a 2011 hit-and-run accident in San Francisco. The deepfake featured a fabricated African-American victim, whose AI-generated testimony spread widely across social media. Microsoft identified the hoax as part of Russian cyber influence operations targeting the 2024 U.S. election, with the site registered in Iceland.
Purportedly AI-Manipulated Video Reportedly Misrepresented Bulgarian DPS Figure Ahmed Dogan and Spread via TikTok and Facebook
A reportedly AI-manipulated video appeared to repurpose footage of Ahmed Dogan, honorary chairman of Bulgaria's Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), by overlaying synthetic audio that made him seem to urge party members to protest in defense of his wealth. The clip reportedly originated from a satirical TikTok account and was later circulated on Facebook by anonymous profiles.
South Korea Reportedly Experienced a Surge of Explicit Deepfake Pornography
At the end of August 2024, South Korean authorities reportedly began investigating a significant surge in the creation and dissemination, often via Telegram, of explicit deepfake pornography created without consent from the stolen social media content of female classmates, teachers, and neighbors.