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
1,751 incidents
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.
Scammers Allegedly Use AI-Generated Avatars to Impersonate Friends in Houston, Texas and Solicit Money
Two Houston women reported being targeted in an alleged scam involving AI-generated videos that appeared to depict trusted friends. The purported deepfake avatars were reportedly used via social media and messaging apps to solicit access codes and promote fraudulent sales. Victims are reported to have lost control of their accounts, and friends of the impersonated individuals sent money believing the videos were authentic.
Reported False Legal Citations in South African Case Mavundla v. MEC Generated by Purported AI Tool
In Mavundla v. MEC: Department of Co-Operative Government and Traditional Affairs KwaZulu-Natal, the law firm Surendra Singh and Associates, representing South African politician Philani Godfrey Mavundla, reportedly submitted false legal citations, apparently generated by AI, in filings at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. The court reportedly found that many of the cited cases did not exist in any databases, and the firm's legal team and article clerk allegedly failed to verify the references.
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.
Starship Technologies Delivery Robot Reportedly Injures Arizona State University Employee
A semi-autonomous delivery robot operated by Starship Technologies reportedly struck a pedestrian employed by Arizona State University on the campus sometime in September 2023, purportedly causing injuries after abruptly reversing into her. The robot is reported to have initially knocked the pedestrian down, then moved toward her again while she was still on the ground. The company reportedly offered the victim promo codes and insurance information as an apology. On September 19, 2024, 404 Media made the police report of the incident available.
Deepfake Reportedly Used in Attempted Real Estate Fraud in Hallandale Beach, Florida
A scammer reportedly used deepfake technology to impersonate the owner of a vacant Hallandale Beach, Florida lot during a Zoom call. The scam matched forged IDs to public property records and nearly succeeded in defrauding the buyer of $52,000. The image used in the deepfake was reportedly that of a missing woman named Margrit Pritchard.
Pieces Technologies' Clinical AI Systems Allegedly Marketed With Misleading Performance Claims
The Texas Attorney General announced a settlement with Pieces Technologies following allegations that the company misrepresented the accuracy of its healthcare AI systems used for clinical documentation. The state concluded that marketing claims about low error and hallucination rates may have misled hospitals and clinicians relying on the tools in patient care settings. The settlement imposed restrictions on future claims and required greater transparency around performance and risk.
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.
Criminal Group Uses AI Deepfake Technology to Steal Personal Data in Hangzhou, Zhejiang
A criminal group in China used AI face-swapping technology to bypass face recognition systems on major platforms, steal personal data, and sell it to fraud syndicates. The group generated convincing video simulations from static photos to breach accounts, reportedly earning 200,000 yuan. After an investigation by the Hangzhou Public Security Bureau, four suspects were arrested across the provinces of Anhui, Guizhou, and Zhejiang.
AI 'Nudify' Apps Used as Tools for Blackmail and Extortion
AI 'nudify' apps are being used to generate hyperrealistic non-consensual nude photos of individuals, which are then exploited for extortion and harassment. These apps use generative AI to remove clothing from images and create convincing fakes, often distributed on platforms like Telegram. Victims are threatened or shamed using these AI-generated images, with little recourse for removal or legal action.
Google AI Error Prompts Parents to Use Fecal Matter in Child Training Exercise
Google's AI Overview feature mistakenly advised parents to use human feces in a potty training exercise, misinterpreting a method that uses shaving cream or peanut butter as a substitute. This incident is another example of an AI failure in grasping contextual nuances that can lead to potentially harmful, and in this case unsanitary, recommendations. Google has acknowledged the error.
ESPN's AI Coverage Reportedly Overlooks Alex Morgan in Her Final Match Recap
ESPN's AI-generated recap of Alex Morgan's final professional soccer match reportedly failed to mention her significant retirement moment, instead providing a standard rundown that missed the emotional context.
Amazon's Alexa Reportedly Shows Political Preference Error in Trump-Harris Presidential Race Queries
Amazon's Alexa was found to provide politically biased responses when asked about the 2024 presidential candidates. It refused to give reasons to vote for Donald Trump, citing neutrality, while offering detailed endorsements for Kamala Harris. Amazon labeled the discrepancy an "error" and reportedly corrected it.