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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4,340 incidentspress and self-reported

Page 32 of 181

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

WF-3HIXP625 Jul 2018Added 7 Oct 2026
Twitter shadow bans RNC chair and other prominent Republicans
Twitter's search auto-complete algorithm limited the visibility of several prominent Republican figures, including RNC chair Ronna McDaniel and multiple congressmen. The company stated it was a side effect of efforts to combat troll-like behaviour and was based on account behaviour, not content. Democrats were not affected in the same way. Twitter acknowledged the issue and said it was working on a fix.
Company
Twitter
1 source articleweb.archive.org
WF-2CXT6S1 Jan 2018Added 7 Oct 2026
SEC charges YouPlus and CEO with defrauding investors
The SEC charged machine-learning startup YouPlus and its CEO Shaukat Shamim with defrauding investors. Shamim allegedly made false statements about the company's revenue and customer numbers, including providing falsified bank statements. The scheme unravelled when Shamim confessed to investors that the company had earned less than $500,000 and had only four paying customers since 2013. The SEC is seeking permanent injunctions, civil penalties, and an officer-and-director bar.
Company
YouPlus
AI system
YouPlus machine-learning tool
1 source articlecfodive.com
WF-EX5G9V14 Nov 2020Added 7 Oct 2026
Google, Amazon, Microsoft image AI shows gender bias, labelling women by appearance and men by profession
A study by US and European researchers found that Google, Amazon, and Microsoft's image recognition services applied three times as many appearance-related labels to photos of women as to men. The top labels for men were 'official' and 'businessperson', while for women they were 'smile' and 'chin'. Google acknowledged the issue and had previously switched off gender detection, but tests by WIRED suggested the bias persisted. The researchers warn that such biased AI could obscure women professionals and create a false image of reality.
Company
Google, Amazon, Microsoft
AI system
Google Cloud Vision, Amazon Rekognition, Microsoft image recognition service
1 source articlearstechnica.com
WF-1NL9UC1 Apr 2020Added 7 Oct 2026
Facebook's moderation systems fail to detect ISIS propaganda network
A report by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue found that a network of ISIS supporters evaded Facebook's automated and manual moderation systems for months, spreading terrorist content that garnered tens of thousands of views. The network used tactics such as blurring logos and adding news branding to avoid detection. Facebook removed the accounts after being alerted, but the network adapted by shifting to new accounts.
Company
Facebook
1 source articlebbc.com
WF-HIK1DIAdded 7 Oct 2026
Facebook algorithm promoted Holocaust denial content, investigation finds
An investigation by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue found that Facebook's algorithm actively promoted Holocaust denial content by suggesting denial pages in search results and recommending similar content. The algorithm recommended links to publishers of denial literature and pages of known deniers. Facebook stated that it removes content that celebrates or justifies the Holocaust but does not categorise all denial as hate speech, citing free speech concerns. The findings have led to calls from Holocaust survivors and faith leaders for Facebook to remove such material.
Company
Facebook
AI system
Facebook algorithm
1 source articletheguardian.com
WF-7OELFP21 Oct 2020Added 7 Oct 2026
Instagram and Facebook Apologise for Wrongly Censoring #EndSARS Posts
In October 2020, Instagram and Facebook's automated moderation systems incorrectly flagged posts supporting the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria as false information. Users complained on Twitter, and the companies acknowledged the error, with Instagram stating the issue was resolved and apologising for letting the community down. The incident occurred during widespread protests against police brutality in Nigeria.
Company
Instagram and Facebook
1 source articlegadgets-africa.com
WF-AT7TYN1 Apr 2020Added 7 Oct 2026
Facebook algorithm funneled readers to Covid misinformation, study finds
A study by campaign group Avaaz found that Facebook's algorithm amplified health misinformation during the Covid-19 pandemic, with sites spreading false claims receiving 460 million views in April 2020. The misinformation included dangerous falsehoods, such as that pure alcohol could kill the virus, which was linked to 800 deaths. Facebook had promised to crack down on misinformation but the study found that 84% of fact-checked misinformation slipped through without warning labels. Facebook responded that it had applied warning labels to 98 million pieces of Covid-19 misinformation and directed users to credible health information.
Company
Facebook
AI system
Facebook algorithm
1 source articletheguardian.com
WF-2ZQ1HW24 Jul 2020Added 7 Oct 2026
PredictiveHire builds AI to predict job hopping from interviews
PredictiveHire, an AI hiring firm, developed a machine-learning model that analyses candidates' open-ended interview responses to predict their likelihood of 'job hopping'. The company used data from 45,899 applicants to build the 'flight risk' assessment, which it advertises as coming soon. Scholars warn that such tools can suppress wages by screening out workers who might seek better pay or conditions, continuing a historical trend of using personality tests to identify potential labour organisers.
Company
PredictiveHire
AI system
Phai
1 source articletechnologyreview.com
WF-ACNIW018 Jun 2020Added 7 Oct 2026
YouTube sued by black creators over discriminatory content moderation algorithms
A group of black YouTube creators filed a lawsuit against YouTube, alleging that its content moderation algorithms systematically remove their videos or limit advertising revenue without explanation. The suit, filed in federal court in Northern California, claims racial discrimination. The creators say the algorithms discriminate based on race, as a YouTube official allegedly acknowledged in 2017. The case is pending.
Company
YouTube
1 source articlewashingtonpost.com
WF-SZ9NJLAdded 7 Oct 2026
Clearview AI facial recognition app scrapes billions of images and is used by police
Clearview AI, a secretive start-up, built a facial recognition app that matches photos to a database of more than three billion images scraped from social media and websites. More than 600 law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, have used the tool to identify suspects in crimes such as shoplifting, identity theft and murder. The company monitored officers who ran a reporter's photo through the app, and its founder acknowledged designing an augmented-reality prototype but said there were no plans to release it. Critics warned the tool could end anonymity and enable misuse.
Company
Clearview AI
AI system
Clearview AI facial recognition app
2 source articlesweb.archive.org
WF-2S4JVP10 Sep 2020Added 7 Oct 2026
Ola drivers file GDPR lawsuit over algorithmic management and data access
Two ride-hailing drivers are taking Ola to court in Amsterdam, alleging the company violated GDPR data access rights by not providing full personal data, including GPS and ratings information. They argue this hinders their ability to challenge algorithmic decisions, such as a driver who had pay docked after Ola's system incorrectly flagged trips as invalid. The case, supported by the App Drivers & Couriers Union, seeks to compel Ola to comply with data protection law and faces fines for non-compliance. Ola says it has not received notification and complies with all applicable laws.
Company
Ola
AI system
Guardian
1 source articletechcrunch.com
WF-HRRDAAAdded 7 Oct 2026
FBI and ICE use state driver's license photos for facial recognition without consent
The FBI and ICE have been scanning millions of Americans' driver's license photos using facial recognition technology without their knowledge or consent, according to newly released documents. The agencies accessed state DMV databases, turning them into a facial-recognition gold mine. This practice raises significant privacy concerns as it was done without public awareness or legal oversight.
Company
FBI and ICE
1 source articlewashingtonpost.com
WF-33GGXCAdded 7 Oct 2026
LinkedIn Used by Foreign Spies with AI-Generated Photos to Target US Officials
Foreign intelligence operations created fake LinkedIn profiles with AI-generated photos to connect with US politicians, lobbyists, and government officials. The fake accounts, such as 'Katie Jones,' sent connection requests to gain credibility and access. LinkedIn removed the account after being contacted by the Associated Press, but the platform remains vulnerable to such espionage tactics.
Company
LinkedIn
1 source articlemashable.com
WF-E5X8GK1 Jan 2017Added 7 Oct 2026
University of Chicago Medical Center sued over sharing patient data with Google
The University of Chicago Medical Center is accused in a class-action lawsuit of sharing hundreds of thousands of patient medical records with Google without proper de-identification or patient consent. The data, from patients treated between 2009 and 2016, allegedly included dates and provider notes that could allow re-identification. The lawsuit claims Google sought the records to develop its own electronic health record system and predictive models. The hospital and Google deny wrongdoing, stating the research partnership was legal and compliant with HIPAA.
Company
University of Chicago Medical Center
1 source articlephys.org
WF-Q1TG6K7 Nov 2019Added 7 Oct 2026
Magic City Films to digitally resurrect James Dean for new film role
Magic City Films announced plans to use a digital recreation of James Dean in the upcoming film 'Finding Jack'. The decision has sparked ethical debates about consent and the use of deceased actors' likenesses. The directors obtained rights from Dean's family, but critics argue it sets a troubling precedent. The film is currently in pre-production.
Company
Magic City Films
1 source articlewashingtonpost.com
WF-0Y6EXRAdded 7 Oct 2026
Manchester City to Trial Facial Recognition at Etihad Stadium
Manchester City are set to trial facial recognition software supplied by Blink Identity at the Etihad Stadium. The system would scan fans' faces to check whether they have bought tickets and allow entry, with the aim of reducing matchday queues. Fans would need to sign up using a picture of their face. The article notes concerns about the potential security of users, but the club and vendor say they are committed to protecting fans.
Company
Manchester City
1 source articlesi.com
WF-42HAHU1 Jul 2019Added 7 Oct 2026
Adidas UK's automated Arsenal shirt campaign hijacked with racist tweets
Adidas UK launched a Twitter campaign allowing users to have their handles printed on virtual Arsenal shirts, which were then automatically tweeted by the @AdidasUK account. The campaign was hijacked by users with offensive handles, resulting in the company posting racist and antisemitic slogans. Adidas disabled the feature and apologised, while Arsenal condemned the language. The tweets were widely shared before being removed.
Company
Adidas UK
1 source articletheguardian.com
WF-NQYFZX1 Aug 2019Added 7 Oct 2026
YouTube sued by LGBT creators over alleged algorithmic discrimination
A class action lawsuit filed by 12 LGBT YouTubers alleges that YouTube's algorithm discriminates against their content by demonetizing, age-restricting, and limiting the visibility of videos. The plaintiffs claim the automated system makes decisions within moments of upload, without human review, and that YouTube has failed to address the bias. The lawsuit, which includes a recording of a YouTube manager citing 'the gay thing' as a reason for restricting content, seeks systemic change and transparency.
Company
YouTube
1 source articletheguardian.com
WF-GYIQ051 Jul 2019Added 7 Oct 2026
Google to Stop Using Assistant Recordings Without Consent After Privacy Scandal
Google announced it will no longer use Assistant voice recordings to improve its AI without explicit user permission, following a scandal where contractors reviewed private conversations. The company paused human review of recordings in July 2019 and will now require users to opt in, with automatic deletion of old recordings. The move aims to restore trust after the privacy violation.
Company
Google
AI system
Google Assistant
1 source articledigitalinformationworld.com
WF-30XEUN1 Jul 2019Added 7 Oct 2026
Google contractors targeted homeless people for Pixel 4 facial recognition data
Google hired Randstad to collect facial data to train the Pixel 4's face recognition system. Contractors allegedly targeted homeless people and unaware students, using deceptive tactics such as calling it a "selfie game" and offering $5 without informing subjects they were being recorded. Google suspended the research program and opened an investigation following the report.
Company
Google
AI system
Pixel 4 facial recognition
1 source articlethenextweb.com
WF-7LTQ811 May 2019Added 7 Oct 2026
YouTube's Recommendation Algorithm Found to Radicalise Users Towards Far-Right Content
A 2019 study audited YouTube's recommendation algorithm and found that it systematically suggests increasingly extreme content, leading users from milder right-wing channels to Alt-right and white supremacist content. The research analysed over 79 million comments and 2 million recommendations, showing a migration of users towards radicalisation. The findings support concerns that YouTube's algorithm creates a radicalisation pipeline. The study calls for greater transparency and public discussion on the role of algorithms.
Company
YouTube
AI system
YouTube recommendation algorithm
1 source articlerealkm.com
WF-V8TT78Added 7 Oct 2026
Instagram urged to remove pro-anorexia content harmful to vulnerable users
The Guardian reported that thousands of pro-anorexia hashtags and accounts were easily searchable on Instagram. Eating disorder charities and clinicians warned this content could perpetuate eating disorders and called for stricter moderation. Instagram had recently banned graphic self-harm images and said it was continuing to review its policies. The article noted that workarounds allowed users to find images despite a 2012 ban on some high-risk search terms.
Company
Instagram
AI system
Instagram
1 source articletheguardian.com
WF-BAYZ9C17 Feb 2019Added 7 Oct 2026
YouTube Algorithm Facilitates Child Sexual Exploitation Network, Monetised by Brands
In February 2019, YouTuber MattsWhatItIs revealed that YouTube's recommendation algorithm was connecting users to a network of videos containing child sexual exploitation content. The algorithm enabled paedophiles to trade contact information and links to child pornography in comments. The videos were being monetised by YouTube and major brands, including McDonald's and Disney. YouTube responded by flagging videos and disabling comments, but the content remained accessible and monetised.
Company
YouTube
AI system
YouTube recommendation algorithm
1 source articleendsexualexploitation.org
WF-67SP4W1 Jan 2016Added 7 Oct 2026
Duke University MTMC Dataset Used in Authoritarian Surveillance Research
Duke University created and openly distributed the Duke MTMC dataset, containing surveillance footage of approximately 2,000 students and visitors on campus. The dataset was used by numerous organisations, including Chinese military-linked companies like SenseTime and Hikvision, for developing person re-identification and facial recognition technologies. Following an investigation by exposing.ai and the Financial Times, Duke University terminated the dataset in May 2019. The incident highlights the privacy risks of academic datasets being repurposed for mass surveillance without consent.
Company
Duke University
AI system
Duke MTMC
1 source articleexposing.ai

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

Twitter shadow bans RNC chair and other prominent Republicans

SEC charges YouPlus and CEO with defrauding investors

Google, Amazon, Microsoft image AI shows gender bias, labelling women by appearance and men by profession

Facebook's moderation systems fail to detect ISIS propaganda network

Facebook algorithm promoted Holocaust denial content, investigation finds

Instagram and Facebook Apologise for Wrongly Censoring #EndSARS Posts

Facebook algorithm funneled readers to Covid misinformation, study finds

PredictiveHire builds AI to predict job hopping from interviews

YouTube sued by black creators over discriminatory content moderation algorithms

Clearview AI facial recognition app scrapes billions of images and is used by police

Ola drivers file GDPR lawsuit over algorithmic management and data access

FBI and ICE use state driver's license photos for facial recognition without consent

LinkedIn Used by Foreign Spies with AI-Generated Photos to Target US Officials

University of Chicago Medical Center sued over sharing patient data with Google

Magic City Films to digitally resurrect James Dean for new film role

Manchester City to Trial Facial Recognition at Etihad Stadium

Adidas UK's automated Arsenal shirt campaign hijacked with racist tweets

YouTube sued by LGBT creators over alleged algorithmic discrimination

Google to Stop Using Assistant Recordings Without Consent After Privacy Scandal

Google contractors targeted homeless people for Pixel 4 facial recognition data

YouTube's Recommendation Algorithm Found to Radicalise Users Towards Far-Right Content

Instagram urged to remove pro-anorexia content harmful to vulnerable users

YouTube Algorithm Facilitates Child Sexual Exploitation Network, Monetised by Brands

Duke University MTMC Dataset Used in Authoritarian Surveillance Research