The 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.

Reports people file about their own experience are not shown here and never will be without their agreement. Tell us what happened to you.

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146 incidents closest to “Z-HAIL (Hail)” · matched on meaning · public reporting

WF-E0B1A016 Feb 2026

ZDF broadcasts AI-generated video without labelling in heute journal report on ICE operations

On 16 February 2026, ZDF's news programme 'heute journal' broadcast a report on US border police ICE operations that included a video sequence generated by OpenAI's Sora AI, without labelling it as AI-generated. The broadcaster initially described the omission as a 'technical error' and later removed the AI material from the report, apologising for the mistake. The report also included a real video from 2022 that was used out of context.

Company involved
ZDF
AI system involved
Sora

2 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-3DGXLF1 Oct 2024

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 articles · read the reporting →

WF-7528MR23 Jan 2024

Individual used AI to fabricate Yunnan landslide death toll

In January 2024, an individual used AI software to generate a fake news article claiming a landslide in Yunnan had killed 8 people, posting it online to attract traffic and profit. The false information caused adverse social impact. Police investigated and imposed an administrative penalty on the perpetrator.

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-MJJJVQ1 Jan 2023

Durham's ShotSpotter fails to detect two deadly shootings

ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection system piloted by the Durham Police Department, failed to detect two fatal shootings in February 2023, as well as a New Year's Day shooting that injured five. The system, which uses sensors and human review to alert police, did not send alerts for these incidents within its three-square-mile coverage area. The company stated it investigated and provided a report to the police, while a city official defended the pilot, noting it is still early in the year-long trial. Community concerns have been raised about increased police presence and potential racial profiling.

Company involved
Durham Police Department
AI system involved
ShotSpotter

5 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-HF1YRW1 Sep 2023

Xuhui police expand facial recognition surveillance to profile 1.1 million residents

The Xuhui District branch of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security is expanding its Intelligent Image Recognition System, adding 2,500 facial recognition cameras and increased computing capacity to build profiles of residents and flag deviations. The project, contracted to US-sanctioned FiberHome, is designed to match each face to files on more than 50 million people. Officials say the system will analyse behaviour patterns and trigger early warnings.

Company involved
Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security, Xuhui District Branch
AI system involved
Intelligent Image Recognition System

3 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-DFMQ9J1 Mar 2024

Insurer drops California homeowner after aerial photo analysis

Cindy Picos was dropped by her home insurer after the company used aerial photos to assess her roof. The insurer refused to let her see the photos, and she believes her roof is in fine shape. The incident highlights the growing use of drones and aerial imagery by insurers to inspect properties without in-person visits.

2 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-ZW37ZY31 Oct 2023

Israel Used AI Audio Tool to Target Hamas Commander, Killing Over 125 Civilians

In October 2023, Israel's Unit 8200 used an AI-powered audio tool to locate Hamas commander Ibrahim Biari in Gaza. The tool provided an approximate location based on his phone calls, leading to airstrikes on October 31 that killed Biari and over 125 civilians, according to Airwars. The incident is part of Israel's broader use of AI in the Gaza war, including facial recognition and target compilation. The civilian casualties highlight the fatal consequences of AI-driven military targeting.

Company involved
Israel Defense Forces

3 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-XUD4V828 Oct 2025

AI-generated fake hurricane videos spread online

Fake AI-generated videos of Hurricane Melissa, including footage of sharks in floodwaters, spread online and amassed millions of views. The videos were created using AI and circulated on social media. BBC Verify identified them as fake and warned viewers about the misinformation.

4 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-D83EVM2 Nov 2021

Zillow faces securities class action over Zillow Offers wind-down

Zillow Group, Inc. is accused of making false and misleading statements to investors about its Zillow Offers home-flipping business. The company allegedly failed to disclose that its forecasting algorithm was unable to predict home prices accurately, leading to a $304 million inventory write-down and a decision to wind down the business. Investors who bought shares between February 10 and November 2, 2021, suffered losses when the stock price dropped after the announcement. A class action lawsuit has been filed in Washington federal court.

Company involved
Zillow Group, Inc.
AI system involved
Zillow Offers

10 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-CC7AFU18 Jan 2026

Beep automated bus rear-ended by Tesla in Washington D.C.

An automated bus operated by Beep was rear-ended by a Tesla driver making an illegal lane change in Washington D.C. on 18 January 2026. The bus, part of a pilot programme with the U.S. Department of Transportation, had a human backup driver and sustained minor cosmetic damage. Service was temporarily paused but resumed after a review found the bus operated appropriately. No police were called and the incident was not reported to NHTSA as the damage was under $1,000 and the other driver was at fault.

Company involved
Beep
AI system involved
Beep automated bus

2 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-DDDGZY13 Oct 2025

Xiaomi SU7 fatal crash in Chengdu raises EV safety concerns

A Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle crashed in Chengdu, China, and caught fire. Bystanders were unable to open the electronic door handles to rescue an occupant, and a 31-year-old male driver died. The incident follows an earlier fatal SU7 crash that raised questions about the vehicle's smart driving features, and has intensified scrutiny on electronic door handle safety.

Company involved
Xiaomi
AI system involved
SU7

3 source articles · read the reporting →

NHTSA investigation PE25012: Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged

The system made driving decisions that violated traffic safety laws, affecting other road users.

Company involved
Tesla, Inc.
AI system involved
Full Self Driving (FSD)

1 source article · read the reporting →

Sibuxiang Genuine + Genuine Sibuxiang: Tesla Autopilot in Another Accident, Owner Says System Failed to Recognize Construction Barriers, Causing Rear-End…

四不像正版+正版四不像特斯拉自动驾驶再出事故,车主称系统未识别施工路障致追尾 - Pchome电脑之家

A Tesla owner reported that the vehicle's Autopilot system did not detect construction barriers, leading to a rear-end collision. The incident was reported by Pchome.

Company involved
Tesla
AI system involved
Autopilot

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-HE06HX10 May 2024

NHTSA investigation PE24015: Rear-end Collisions Involving Zoox Vehicles

Automated driving system controlled vehicle braking and acceleration, leading to rear-end collisions with other road users

Company involved
Zoox
AI system involved
Zoox vehicle

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-BH561Z25 Sep 2026German

First Accident Before Test Phase: Robotaxis Launch in Furttal

Erster Unfall, bevor die Testphase beginnt: Robotaxis starten im Furttal - nzz.ch

Switzerland's first self-driving taxi service launched in the Furttal region near Zurich, but three days before the start a test vehicle had a minor accident in Dänikon, damaging a ground plate and two tires. The pilot project, called Iamo, aims to complement public transport, with a safety driver on board during the test phase.

Company involved
Swiss Transit Lab

1 source article · read the reporting →

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife's AI cameras fail to detect poachers, four rhinos killed

Four dehorned rhinos were found killed at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park after AI-powered infra-red cameras failed to detect the poachers. The cameras, which are designed to identify people and alert the operations centre, did not pick up the intruders. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesperson Musa Mntambo explained that the park is vast and the cameras cannot monitor every area simultaneously. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the technology in preventing rhino poaching.

Company involved
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-SVB9EC14 Feb 2022

Zhihu denies using behaviour perception system to monitor employees

Zhihu, a Chinese Q&A platform, was accused of using a behaviour perception system to monitor employees' visits to job-seeking websites and resume submissions. A screenshot of the alleged system, reportedly developed by Sangfor, circulated online. Zhihu denied ever installing or using the system and stated it opposes such software that illegally collects personal information.

Company involved
Zhihu
AI system involved
Behaviour perception system

4 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-NPVK5V4 Dec 2018

Chinese porcelain factory worker impaled by robotic arm spikes

A 49-year-old worker at a porcelain factory in Zhuzhou, China, was impaled by 10 steel spikes when a robotic arm collapsed onto him during a night shift. The spikes pierced his arm, shoulder, chest, and forearm. He underwent emergency surgery at Xiangya Hospital in Changsha, where surgeons removed all spikes, and he is reported in stable condition.

7 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-PBQII417 Feb 2023

Tesla Model 3 accident in Ruian, China kills one, injures one

A Tesla Model 3 crashed in Ruian, Zhejiang Province on February 17, 2023, killing one person and injuring another. The car was reportedly running at high speed before colliding with other vehicles. Some netizens speculated that the brakes failed. Tesla expressed sadness and said it would cooperate with the investigation, which is ongoing.

Company involved
Tesla
AI system involved
Model 3

6 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-G2H6JW12 Aug 2021

Nio ES8 fatal crash with Nio Pilot on highway in China

On August 12, 2021, a Nio ES8 with Nio Pilot active struck a stationary highway maintenance vehicle on a highway in Putian, Fujian, killing the 31-year-old driver. The system failed to detect the stationary obstacle. The driver's family alleged Nio employees tampered with data from the crashed vehicle, which Nio denied. The cause remains under investigation by local police.

Company involved
Nio
AI system involved
Nio Pilot

10 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-IU1DBP10 Dec 2023

Cyberattack on UAE TV service shows AI anchor with Gaza content

A cyberattack on Sunday night disrupted TV services for UAE residents using the HK1RBOXX streaming device, replacing regular programming with an AI-generated news bulletin about Palestinian suffering in Gaza. The set-top box provider acknowledged the hack and said it was investigating. The incident caused distress to viewers, including families with children, who were exposed to graphic content.

Company involved
HK1RBOXX streaming device provider
AI system involved
HK1RBOXX

9 source articles · read the reporting →

Zoox issues voluntary software recall after robotaxi collision in Las Vegas

Zoox voluntarily recalled its robotaxi software after an unoccupied autonomous vehicle collided with a passenger vehicle in Las Vegas. The robotaxi misjudged the other car's intention, braking hard but making contact unavoidable. No injuries were reported and damage was minor. Zoox issued a software update and filed a report with NHTSA.

Company involved
Zoox
AI system involved
Zoox robotaxi

7 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-KBFGPD12 Oct 2023

Tesla Autopilot Lawsuit Filed in Death of William A. Hensley - Car Complaints

The Autopilot system failed to detect a curve and continued straight, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash, killing the driver.

Company involved
Tesla, Inc.
AI system involved
Autopilot

1 source article · read the reporting →

Aquaman 2 Fishing Tips Tesla Autopilot Tested Domestically, Hits Sanitation Truck, Raises Questions

海王2捕鱼技巧特斯拉自动驾驶在国内测试,撞上环卫车引质疑 - Pchome电脑之家

Tesla's autonomous driving system was tested on domestic roads and collided with a sanitation truck. The accident has sparked skepticism about the technology.

Company involved
特斯拉

1 source article · read the reporting →

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