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
736 incidents
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.
Blogger Milagro Gramz Allegedly Promoted AI-Generated Pornographic Deepfake Targeting Megan Thee Stallion
A blogger, Milagro Gramz, was reportedly found liable for promoting and amplifying a sexually explicit AI-generated deepfake depicting rapper Megan Thee Stallion as part of an online harassment campaign linked to misinformation about her 2020 shooting. Court filings alleged the blogger encouraged followers to view the altered content and spread defamatory claims. In December 2025, a federal jury reportedly awarded damages for harassment and promotion of the deepfake.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown's Voice and Image Misused in AI-Generated Scam
A scammer used AI to create a deepfake video of Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown, falsely claiming that a recipient owed $100,000 to the federal government. The video, sent via email from a fake SLCPD account, used a cloned voice and repurposed footage from a past interview.
Character.ai Chatbots Allegedly Misrepresent George Floyd on User-Generated Platform
Two chatbots emulating George Floyd were created on Character.ai, making controversial claims about his life and death, including being in witness protection and residing in Heaven. Character.ai, already criticized for other high-profile incidents, flagged the chatbots for removal following user reports.
Purported AI-Generated Content Circulates Widely in Sudan Amid Civil Conflict and Information Vacuum
Purported AI-generated deepfakes have circulated widely on Sudanese social media during the ongoing conflict, allegedly spreading false claims, impersonating public figures, and distorting political discourse. Reported incidents include fabricated videos and audio used to mislead or satirize, some of which gained traction among journalists and officials. Observers warn that poor detection tools and limited moderation may be enabling the manipulation of public trust.
Polish Radio Station Replaces Human Hosts with AI-Generated Presenters to Simulate Interviewing Deceased Poet Wisława Szymborska
Polish radio station Off Radio Krakow replaced human presenters with AI-generated ones and aired a simulated interview with the deceased poet Wisława Szymborska. The AI-driven experiment aimed to attract younger listeners but led to job losses for former hosts. In response to the public backlash, the station ended its use of AI presenters.
High School Student in Córdoba, Argentina Accused of Using AI to Generate Explicit Images of Classmates
An 18-year-old Argentine student at the pre-university institute of Manuel Belgrano of Córdoba allegedly used AI tools to generate explicit fake images of at least 22 female classmates by combining their faces with other bodies. These images, posted on pornography websites, included the victims' names, leading to harassment and significant psychological harm. Legal authorities charged the student with serious injuries aggravated by gender violence.
Video with Reportedly AI-Generated Media Purported to Show Croatian Physician Alemka Markotić Endorsing Hondrosol After False Murder Claim on Facebook
A Facebook video purported to show Croatian infectious-disease physician Alemka Markotić and TV host Zoran Šprajc discussing her supposed murder and endorsing a joint-pain product called Hondrosol. The clip and linked article were reported to use AI-generated or manipulated media and to mimic Croatian government branding, directing users toward a scam purchase page.
Purported Deepfake Allegedly Misattributes Claims to Former Student in Attack on Vice-Presidential Candidate Tim Walz
A purported viral deepfake accused Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz of misconduct by using the stolen identity of former student Matthew Metro. Circulated on X and other platforms, the video reportedly reached millions before being flagged for manipulation. U.S. intelligence later revealed it and three other similar events were part of the Russian disinformation campaign Storm-1516, whose aim is to disrupt the 2024 elections.
Purported Face‑Swap Technology Reportedly Used to Circumvent Financial Platform's Facial Recognition Security in Nanjing, China
In Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, a defendant (Fu Mou) was convicted in October 2024 for allegedly using AI‑powered face‑swap software to bypass an unnamed financial platform's facial recognition system. Authorities reported that he obtained over 1.95 million pieces of personal data, accessed 23 victims' payment accounts, changed passwords for several, and used one linked bank card to make purchases. Prosecutors said only one platform was successfully breached.
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.