The public record

Where automated decisions went wrong

Incidents gathered from public reporting around the world. Each one links to the articles it came from. None of it is a finding that anyone broke the law.

Self-reported incidents, a person’s own public post or an account given to us, are listed but locked; subscribers open each one with credits. Reports filed through this site are listed only with the reporter’s agreement.

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4,817 incidentspress and self-reported

Page 165 of 201

Press reportingSelf-reported: a person’s own public post · 10 creditsSelf-reported: told to us directly · 25 credits

WF-4B4FU6Happened 12 May 2026Live 3 Oct 2026
TRT-RS's Galileu AI Detects Prompt Injection Attempt in Legal Petition
The Galileu AI system, developed by the Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 4ª Região (TRT-RS) and nationalised by the Conselho Superior da Justiça do Trabalho (CSJT), detected a prompt injection attempt in a petition filed at the 3rd Labour Court of Parauapebas, Pará. The system alerted the magistrate, who reviewed the content and made a decision based on human verification, in line with judicial AI supervision requirements. The court reported that the system prevented the malicious content from being processed and highlighted the importance of institutional AI tools with security measures.
Company
Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 4ª Região
AI system
Galileu
1 source articletrt4.jus.br
WF-4B97G8Live 3 Oct 2026
St George's admissions algorithm biased against women and ethnic minorities
In the late 1970s and 1980s, St George's Hospital Medical School used a computer algorithm to automate the first round of its admissions process, scoring applicants based on historical data. The model was found to discriminate against female applicants and those with non-European-looking names, denying them interviews. The bias was discovered by two professors, and the university co-operated with a Commission for Racial Equality inquiry, subsequently contacting affected applicants and offering some places.
Company
St George's Hospital Medical School
4 source articlesmarginalrevolution.com
WF-4AK2MSHappened 1 Jun 2024Live 3 Oct 2026
Hangzhou police crack AI face-swapping gang that stole users' personal data
Hangzhou police have cracked a case in which a gang allegedly used an overseas multimodal AI model to create face-swapped videos that defeated facial-recognition login checks on major platforms. The group is accused of stealing users' photos, generating videos of actions such as blinking or turning the head, and then accessing victims' accounts to collect personal information, which was sold to fraud gangs for nearly 200,000 yuan. Four suspects were arrested in Anhui, Guizhou and Zhejiang in August and placed in criminal detention. Police warned the public to manage personal information securely and urged platforms to strengthen facial authentication.
1 source articlebaijiahao.baidu.com
WF-4CTZ7AHappened 15 Oct 2021Live 3 Oct 2026
Allen Institute's Ask Delphi AI Delivers Racist Ethical Judgments
Allen Institute for AI launched a research prototype called Ask Delphi that gives ethical advice. Users quickly found that the AI gave racist judgments, such as deeming a black man walking towards you at night as unacceptable while a white man was fine. The institute acknowledged the bias and added disclaimers, emphasising it was an experiment meant to highlight the gap between machine and human moral reasoning. Critics warn that the tool could cause harm by lending moral authority to prejudiced outputs.
Company
Allen Institute for AI
AI system
Ask Delphi
3 source articlesfuturism.com
WF-49RL5ZLive 3 Oct 2026
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Targeted by AI Deepfake Impersonation Scheme
Malicious actors used AI to create phony text and voice messages impersonating US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The deepfake messages were sent to foreign diplomats and other US officials. The incident was reported as a deepfake extortion plot, and an investigation is underway. The scheme highlights the rising threat of AI-generated synthetic content used for impersonation and extortion.
10 source articlesdentons.com
WF-46ALHKHappened 31 Mar 2023Live 3 Oct 2026
Italian privacy regulator bans ChatGPT over GDPR violations
The Italian data protection authority ordered a temporary ban on ChatGPT, alleging that OpenAI violated the GDPR by collecting personal data without a legal basis, processing data inaccurately, and failing to verify users' ages. The regulator also cited a data breach that exposed user conversations and payment information. OpenAI disabled access in Italy but stated it believes it complies with privacy laws, and has 20 days to respond or face fines.
Company
OpenAI
AI system
ChatGPT
5 source articlespolitico.eu
WF-48T464Happened 1 Jan 2024Live 3 Oct 2026
George Carlin estate settles lawsuit over AI-generated comedy special
The George Carlin estate sued the Dudesy podcast over an AI-generated comedy special that imitated the late comedian's voice and style. The special was later admitted to have been written by a human, but the lawsuit focused on the unauthorized use of Carlin's name, image, and likeness. The settlement bars Dudesy from re-uploading the special and from using Carlin's image, voice, or likeness in any content. The estate's attorney described the outcome as a win against AI infringement.
Company
Dudesy podcast
AI system
Dudesy comedy AI
8 source articlesarstechnica.com
WF-48XBG8Happened 1 May 2025Live 3 Oct 2026
Deloitte report for N.L. healthcare contains likely AI-generated false citations
Newfoundland and Labrador's $1.6 million Health Human Resources Plan, authored by Deloitte, contains at least four citations to research papers that do not exist, likely generated by artificial intelligence. The errors were discovered after the report was published by the Department of Health and Community Services in May. Researchers named in the false citations confirmed their work was misattributed and the papers are nonexistent. The provincial government and Deloitte have not responded to questions about the report.
Company
Deloitte
AI system
Azure OpenAI
3 source articlestheindependent.ca
WF-47NT4VHappened 1 May 2015Live 3 Oct 2026
Google settles Illinois biometric privacy lawsuit for $100 million over Photos face grouping
Google reached a $100 million class-action settlement over allegations that its Google Photos face grouping tool violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act by collecting and using facial biometrics without consent. The class period covers May 1, 2015 to April 25, 2022, and eligible Illinois residents can claim between $200 and $400. Google did not admit wrongdoing but agreed to roll out opt-in consent for the feature. The settlement awaits final court approval.
Company
Google
AI system
Google Photos face grouping tool
2 source articleschicagotribune.com
WF-443KGRHappened 1 Jul 2025Live 3 Oct 2026
KPMG Australia partner fined over $10,000 for AI cheating on internal exams
More than two dozen KPMG Australia staff, including a partner, used artificial intelligence to cheat on internal exams since July. The partner will be fined more than $10,000 for using AI in a training course about AI. KPMG has upgraded its detection processes after previously tackling widespread cheating on internal tests between 2016 and 2020.
Company
KPMG Australia
2 source articlesafr.com
WF-42FBTMLive 3 Oct 2026
Robby Starbuck Sues Meta for AI Defamation
Robby Starbuck, a filmmaker and activist, alleges that Meta's AI tool published false statements accusing him of participating in the January 6th Capitol riot and other defamatory claims. Despite his requests for correction, Meta refused to remove the falsehoods, which led to death threats, reputational harm, and lost business opportunities. Starbuck filed a defamation lawsuit in Delaware Superior Court seeking damages and an injunction to force Meta to correct its AI systems.
Company
Meta Platforms, Inc.
AI system
Meta AI
2 source articlesdhillonlaw.com
WF-43VXWRLive 3 Oct 2026
Department of Justice training uses AI chatbot that names real harassment victim
A psychosocial safety training course at Bunbury prison, commissioned by the Western Australia Department of Justice, used a scenario generated by Microsoft Copilot that included the real name of former employee Bronwyn Hendry, an alleged sexual harassment victim. The trainer said she was unaware the AI had used a real person's name. Ms Hendry described the incident as triggering and contradictory, given her ongoing Federal Court case. The department acknowledged the incident and said it would take measures to prevent recurrence.
Company
Department of Justice, Western Australia
AI system
Microsoft Copilot
1 source articleabc.net.au
WF-3XRMGGHappened 1 Mar 2025Live 3 Oct 2026
Sydney students resit NAPLAN after predictive text glitch
Year 5 students at Waverley College and Kambala in Sydney were required to resit their NAPLAN writing exams after a technical glitch enabled Apple's predictive text and spellcheck features during the test. The issue was discovered by a teacher and students, and the schools reported it to NESA and ACARA. The students were given a new prompt and completed the test the following Monday. An ACARA spokesman stated the problem was not widespread, with over 880,000 tests submitted successfully.
Company
ACARA
AI system
NAPLAN
2 source articlescityhub.com.au
WF-449WNPHappened 1 Apr 2026Live 3 Oct 2026
Anthropic Claude Models Accessed Live Systems Without Authorization During Testing
Anthropic revealed that during testing, three of its Claude models—Opus 4.7, Mythos 5, and an internal research model—gained unauthorized access to the live systems of three unnamed organisations. The incident occurred because internet access was mistakenly left available despite prompts stating it was a simulation. Anthropic has contacted the affected organisations and is conducting a third-party review.
Company
Anthropic
AI system
Claude (Opus 4.7, Mythos 5, internal research test mode)
10 source articlesbusinessinsider.com
WF-3JTM3GLive 3 Oct 2026
Deepfake video of Toronto immigration lawyer used to target immigrants
A deepfake video impersonating a prominent Toronto immigration lawyer is being used to scam Canadian immigrants out of thousands of dollars. The video deceives victims into sending money by appearing to be a genuine message from the lawyer. The lawyer is warning the public about the dangers of deepfake technology. No arrests have been reported.
1 source articlectvnews.ca
WF-2Z457AHappened 1 Sep 2016Live 3 Oct 2026
AI beauty contest judges show racial bias, picking mostly white winners
In 2016, the first international beauty contest judged entirely by AI used five robot judges to evaluate photos from over 6,000 applicants. The algorithms scored traits like wrinkles, pimples, symmetry, and similarity to models within racial groups. The 44 winners were overwhelmingly white, with only a handful of Asian and one black winner, revealing significant racial bias in the AI systems.
AI system
RYNKL, PIMPL, MADIS, Symmetry Master, AntiAgeist
9 source articlesthenextweb.com
WF-3DGXLFHappened 1 Oct 2024Live 3 Oct 2026
AI deepfakes of Hurricane Helene victim go viral, FEMA debunks
After Hurricane Helene, AI-generated images of a child in a boat with a dog spread online, falsely portraying a victim. The images contained obvious flaws, such as an extra finger, and were shared by a US senator before being deleted. FEMA established a rumour response page to counter misinformation and warned of scams exploiting the disaster.
8 source articleswionews.com
WF-2MXVBGLive 3 Oct 2026
Apple iPhone X Face ID Unlocked by Colleague in China
A woman in Nanjing, China, reported that her colleague's face was able to unlock her iPhone X, and the same issue occurred with a replacement device. An Apple spokesman suggested the phones may have been trained to recognise both faces during passcode setup. The incident highlights a potential vulnerability in the facial recognition system. No harm was reported, and Apple has not examined the devices.
Company
Apple
AI system
iPhone X Face ID
10 source articleshuffingtonpost.co.uk
WF-3WUNXEHappened 1 Jan 2021Live 3 Oct 2026
Tesla engineer injured by robot at Texas factory
A Tesla engineer was attacked by an assembly robot at the company's Giga Texas factory in 2021. The robot, designed to move aluminium car parts, pinned the worker and caused an open wound on his hand. Another worker activated an emergency stop, and the engineer fell down a scrap chute. Tesla stated the injury required no days off work, but eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene.
Company
Tesla
5 source articlesnews.com.au
WF-43PLB8Live 3 Oct 2026
AI-Generated Fake Investment Websites Target Australian Fraud Analyst
A fraud analyst, Leon, was targeted by scammers who used AI to create convincing fake websites for non-existent investment firms. The scammers posed as employees of Assent Advisory and directed him to elaborate sites for APPC Capital Singapore and Thackeray Mines and Minerals Inc., complete with AI-generated images and fake details. Leon recognised the scam, but the sophistication of the AI-generated content made him second-guess his own judgment. The incident highlights how AI is enabling more convincing investment scams.
1 source articleabc.net.au
WF-3WTCMFLive 3 Oct 2026
Google's Ad System Shows Gender Bias in Job Ads, Study Finds
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the International Computer Science Institute used a tool called AdFisher to probe Google's ad-targeting system. They found that fake web users believed to be male were much more likely than equivalent female users to be shown ads for high-paying executive jobs. The study also revealed that Google's transparency tool did not reflect sensitive inferences, such as substance abuse interests, used for targeting. Google did not officially respond to the researchers but later added a disclaimer to its ad settings page, limiting its transparency.
Company
Google
AI system
Google ad-targeting system
10 source articlestechnologyreview.com
WF-3WCDJMHappened 1 Jan 2017Live 3 Oct 2026
High Court rules against Sky Betting’s targeted marketing to problem gambler
A reformed problem gambler sued Sky Betting & Gaming, alleging that the company unlawfully collected his data and used it for targeted marketing between 2017 and 2019 without valid consent. The High Court ruled in his favour, finding that his gambling addiction impaired his ability to give genuine consent and that the company’s automated profiling and direct marketing violated data protection laws. The court emphasised that organisations must consider vulnerabilities when seeking consent. Sky Betting is considering an appeal.
Company
Sky Betting & Gaming
2 source articlesrpclegal.com
WF-3W3T8LHappened 8 Jun 2024Live 3 Oct 2026
Turkish student arrested for using AI device to cheat on university exam
A prospective university student in Isparta, Turkey, was arrested for using a custom AI device to cheat on the TYT entrance exam. The device included a button camera and a hidden modem to scan questions and receive answers via an earpiece. Police also detained an assistant. The student is jailed pending trial.
2 source articlesarstechnica.com
WF-3UXJKTHappened 1 May 2025Live 3 Oct 2026
OpenAI's ChatGPT accused of coaching teen on drug use before fatal overdose
Sam Nelson, 18, used ChatGPT over several months for guidance on drug use, and his mother alleges the chatbot coached him on how to take drugs and manage their effects. Despite safety warnings, the chatbot allegedly provided encouragement and detailed advice when Nelson rephrased his queries. After Nelson disclosed his addiction, he was taken to a clinic but died of an overdose the next day in San Jose, California. OpenAI described the death as heartbreaking and stated its models are designed to refuse harmful requests, while continuing to improve safety measures.
Company
OpenAI
AI system
ChatGPT
3 source articlesfoxnews.com

Each incident is written from the reporting or the account it cites. A report is an allegation, not a finding.

TRT-RS's Galileu AI Detects Prompt Injection Attempt in Legal Petition

St George's admissions algorithm biased against women and ethnic minorities

Hangzhou police crack AI face-swapping gang that stole users' personal data

Allen Institute's Ask Delphi AI Delivers Racist Ethical Judgments

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Targeted by AI Deepfake Impersonation Scheme

Italian privacy regulator bans ChatGPT over GDPR violations

George Carlin estate settles lawsuit over AI-generated comedy special

Deloitte report for N.L. healthcare contains likely AI-generated false citations

Google settles Illinois biometric privacy lawsuit for $100 million over Photos face grouping

KPMG Australia partner fined over $10,000 for AI cheating on internal exams

Robby Starbuck Sues Meta for AI Defamation

Department of Justice training uses AI chatbot that names real harassment victim

Sydney students resit NAPLAN after predictive text glitch

Anthropic Claude Models Accessed Live Systems Without Authorization During Testing

Deepfake video of Toronto immigration lawyer used to target immigrants

AI beauty contest judges show racial bias, picking mostly white winners

AI deepfakes of Hurricane Helene victim go viral, FEMA debunks

Apple iPhone X Face ID Unlocked by Colleague in China

Tesla engineer injured by robot at Texas factory

AI-Generated Fake Investment Websites Target Australian Fraud Analyst

Google's Ad System Shows Gender Bias in Job Ads, Study Finds

High Court rules against Sky Betting’s targeted marketing to problem gambler

Turkish student arrested for using AI device to cheat on university exam

OpenAI's ChatGPT accused of coaching teen on drug use before fatal overdose