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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4,442 incidentspress and self-reported

Page 82 of 186

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

WF-IT61UQHappened 5 Jul 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
US investigates fatal Tesla crash suspected of involving Autopilot
On July 5, 2023, a Tesla Model 3 collided with a Subaru Impreza in South Lake Tahoe, California, killing the Subaru driver and a three-month-old baby in the Tesla. The crash is suspected to have involved Tesla's Autopilot self-driving system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a special crash investigation. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment.
Company
Tesla
AI system
Autopilot
6 source articlesqz.com
WF-A0VSHVHappened 14 Aug 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
Snapchat says My AI chatbot's story post was a glitch
Snapchat's My AI chatbot posted an unintelligible one-second story to some users' story feeds and stopped responding to messages. Snap confirmed to TechCrunch that the disruption was a temporary outage and has been fixed; it said My AI cannot post stories at this time. Users had initially feared the app had surreptitiously taken photos of their ceilings, but Snap said that was not the case.
Company
Snap
AI system
My AI
10 source articlesmashable.com
WF-B9K1XGLive 5 Oct 2026
CivitAI hosts AI models generating non-consensual porn of real people
A 404 Media investigation found that CivitAI, a platform for sharing AI image generation models, hosts numerous models that can produce pornographic images of real people without their consent. These models are trained on images scraped from the internet, and have been downloaded tens of thousands of times, enabling widespread creation of non-consensual sexual content. Sex workers and public figures are particularly affected, with no remediation or recourse reported.
Company
CivitAI
7 source articles404media.co
WF-778ZZ4Happened 14 Sep 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
Microsoft MSN publishes AI-generated obituary calling deceased NBA player 'useless'
Microsoft's MSN news portal published a garbled, AI-generated article about the death of former NBA player Brandon Hunter, with a headline that called him 'useless'. The article was quickly criticized on social media as disrespectful and incoherent. Microsoft removed the article after the incident was reported, stating that they are working to prevent such content in the future.
Company
Microsoft
10 source articlesfuturism.com
WF-BF0PU4Live 5 Oct 2026
Kaedim used human artists instead of AI for 3D model generation
Kaedim, an AI startup that claimed to use machine learning to convert 2D illustrations into 3D models, actually used human artists to produce the models, according to sources. The company's founder was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 for the technology. At one point, workers produced the 3D designs entirely without AI assistance. The revelation highlights how AI companies can overstate their capabilities.
Company
Kaedim
AI system
Kaedim
10 source articles404media.co
WF-5BFWUVHappened 22 Aug 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
Google's AI chatbots generate harmful and controversial responses
Google's AI chatbots, SGE and Bard, generated responses that listed supposed benefits of genocide, slavery, and fascism when prompted. The systems also ranked historical figures including Hitler and Stalin as 'great' leaders. The article reports that the AI outputs lacked proper safeguards and contradicted themselves. No response from Google is mentioned.
Company
Google
AI system
Google SGE and Google Bard
7 source articlestomshardware.com
WF-SKRYGZHappened 1 Jan 2018Live 5 Oct 2026
NHS liver transplant algorithm causes longer waits for younger patients
An NHS computer algorithm that prioritises liver transplant patients most likely to die soon has led to younger patients waiting 156 days longer on average than those over 60. The algorithm, launched in 2018, gives a score based on 21 recipient and seven donor parameters. Patients like Sarah Meredith, 31, have been waiting two years for a transplant. NHS Blood and Transplant defends the system as saving lives but acknowledges the stress on younger patients.
Company
NHS Blood and Transplant
10 source articlesbbc.co.uk
WF-E6CQ6JHappened 1 Jul 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
Remini app allegedly generated child pornography image from user's photo
Asia Marie Williams, a digital creator, used the Remini app to generate an image of her future baby. The app allegedly produced a half-naked image of a toddler-aged child with her face, which she described as child pornography. She shared the image on Facebook with private parts censored. The incident has not been resolved.
Company
Remini
AI system
Remini
8 source articlestownhall.com
WF-8BCS49Happened 25 May 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
Amazon locks user's account for a week after driver misinterprets doorbell's automated response
On May 25, 2023, Amazon locked Brandon Jackson's account and logged out all his Echo devices after a delivery driver reported receiving racist remarks from his doorbell. The doorbell, a Eufy device, had issued an automated response 'Excuse me, can I help you?' which the driver misinterpreted. Jackson submitted video evidence showing no such remarks were made, but his account remained locked until May 31. He alleges that Amazon's automated system overreacted and that the company failed to properly investigate.
Company
Amazon
AI system
Amazon Echo devices, Alexa, Eufy doorbell
9 source articlesmedium.com
WF-SEHSOWHappened 1 Aug 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
China uses AI-generated images to spread disinformation about Hawaii wildfires
China conducted a disinformation campaign about the August 2023 Hawaii wildfires, using AI-generated images to bolster false claims that the fires were caused by a US 'weather weapon'. The campaign was identified by researchers from Microsoft, Recorded Future, and other organizations. The impact was difficult to measure, but early indications suggest limited engagement.
Company
China (state actors)
7 source articlesbusinesstimes.com.sg
WF-MSI9YOLive 5 Oct 2026
OpenAI's ChatGPT generates political campaign messages despite own rules
OpenAI's ChatGPT has been generating tailored political campaign messages, violating the company's own rules. The Washington Post analysis found that OpenAI has not enforced its ban for months. The chatbot can create messages targeting specific demographics like suburban women and urban dwellers. OpenAI acknowledged the difficulty of enforcing the rules and is seeking suggestions.
Company
OpenAI
AI system
ChatGPT
9 source articlestimesofindia.indiatimes.com
WF-B9VC10Happened 14 Jan 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
Environment Agency's automated flood warnings cause false alarms and late alerts
The Environment Agency in England has made its automated flood warning system permanent despite inaccuracies. The system, trialled during strikes, issues alerts based on sensor thresholds without human review. Residents have reported false alarms, such as a warning of severe flooding on the River Severn that never materialised, and late warnings, including an alert for the River Wye that arrived 24 hours after peak water levels and after a home was already flooded. The agency acknowledges the feedback and says it will review the system.
Company
Environment Agency
AI system
Automated flood warning system
10 source articlestheguardian.com
WF-BUADUGHappened 20 Aug 2022Live 5 Oct 2026
Google refuses to reinstate man's account after flagging medical images as CSAM
A man identified as Mark took medical photos of his son's groin to send to a doctor. Google's automated system flagged the images as child sexual abuse material and disabled his accounts. The San Francisco police investigated but cleared him of wrongdoing. Google refused to reinstate his account, stating it follows US law.
Company
Google
10 source articlestheguardian.com
WF-39C1QLHappened 1 Sep 2021Live 5 Oct 2026
Google's autocomplete subtitles mislead public about conspiracy theorists
A study by researchers at Simon Fraser University found that Google's autocomplete subtitle algorithm assigned neutral or positive labels to 30 of 37 conspiracy theorists, including Alex Jones as 'American Radio Host' and Gavin McInnes as 'Canadian writer'. The researchers argue this can mislead the public and amplify extremist views because the labels do not reflect publicly known harmful roles. Google says the subtitles are generated automatically and that custom subtitles cannot be accepted. No response to the findings is reported.
Company
Google
AI system
Google Autocomplete
10 source articlesjournal.media-culture.org.au
WF-TNYV0EHappened 27 Dec 2021Live 5 Oct 2026
Deepfake videos using Synthesia spread disinformation in Mali
Fake videos with computer-generated voiceovers and deepfake avatars have been circulating on social media in Mali. One video, created using the Synthesia platform, shows a fake news presenter claiming France paid Malian parties to boycott a national consultation. The video was seen over 900,000 times on Facebook. Synthesia banned the user who created the video for violating its terms of service.
AI system
Synthesia
7 source articlesobservers.france24.com
WF-A1LJA5Happened 1 Sep 2026Live 5 Oct 2026
MDPI blacklists authors after preprint cites fake AI-generated references
A preprint on Preprints.org cited two non-existent papers by millipede expert Henrik Enghoff. The preprint, titled "From Beneficial Arthropods to Soil-Dwelling Organisms: A Review on Millipedes," was found to contain multiple fake references, likely generated by OpenAI's ChatGPT. After Enghoff and researcher David Richard Nash alerted the publisher, MDPI withdrew the preprint and blacklisted the authors. MDPI acknowledged the incident and said it would review its screening process.
Company
MDPI
AI system
ChatGPT
10 source articlesretractionwatch.com
WF-TTPCHMLive 5 Oct 2026
Google autocomplete suggested antisemitic searches to UK users
A report by the Community Security Trust and Antisemitism Policy Trust analysed Google searches in the United Kingdom and found that Google's autocomplete formula was suggesting antisemitic search queries, directing users to hateful content. The report noted that after Google changed its autocomplete formula to eliminate antisemitic suggestions, the number of people searching for antisemitic material decreased. The research highlights how algorithmic systems can amplify hate.
Company
Google
AI system
Google Search autocomplete
10 source articlesarchive.jpr.org.uk
WF-VU5D65Happened 8 Apr 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
California regulator accuses Maxpread Technologies of using AI-generated fake CEO to scam investors
Maxpread Technologies allegedly used an AI-generated avatar to pose as its CEO in a YouTube video to deceive investors. The California DFPI issued cease and desist letters to Maxpread and four other companies for offering unqualified securities and making false promises. The regulator claims the companies promised high daily returns using AI trading, but these claims were false. Maxpread did not respond to requests for comment.
Company
Maxpread Technologies
8 source articlesdecrypt.co
WF-LWH19YHappened 7 Apr 2011Live 5 Oct 2026
Italian court rules Google liable for autocomplete defamation
A Milan court found Google guilty of libel after its autocomplete function linked an unnamed businessman's name with the terms 'conman' and 'fraud'. The entrepreneur, who provides educational services in personal finance, complained that these suggestions damaged his public image. Google argued it was not responsible for the algorithmically generated terms, but the court ordered the removal of the offending suggestions. The company expressed disappointment, stating that autocomplete predictions are based on previous users' searches.
Company
Google
AI system
Google Autocomplete
10 source articlesmetro.co.uk
WF-ZED53GLive 5 Oct 2026
Google accused of identifying rape victims via search
Google is accused of allowing users to bypass court anonymity orders, thereby identifying rape victims. The allegation involves Google's search system surfacing information that violates anonymity orders. It is unclear what legal action has been taken.
Company
Google
10 source articlesthetimes.co.uk
WF-0TNQZDHappened 17 Aug 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
Cruise robotaxi hits San Francisco fire truck, one injured
A Cruise self-driving car collided with a San Francisco Fire Department truck that was responding to an emergency. The incident occurred on August 17, 2023, in the Tenderloin district. One passenger sustained non-severe injuries and was taken to hospital. Cruise acknowledged the crash and offered support to the rider.
Company
Cruise
AI system
Cruise self-driving car
10 source articlescnbc.com
WF-V2I9RYHappened 28 Jun 2022Live 5 Oct 2026
Natalia Denegri sues Google to remove old search results
Natalia Ruth Denegri sued Google Inc. to remove search results linking to videos and news from over 20 years ago, related to the 'Caso Cóppola' criminal case. She argued the information was outdated, irrelevant, and harmed her reputation and privacy. A lower court ordered Google to block access to certain content, but Google appealed, claiming the order violated freedom of expression. The case reached the Argentine Supreme Court, which held a public hearing in March 2022 and has not yet issued a final ruling.
Company
Google Inc.
AI system
Google Search
10 source articlessjconsulta.csjn.gov.ar
WF-9SWA8THappened 4 Jul 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
Volkswagen AI deepfake of deceased singer Elis Regina in ad sparks ethical debate
Volkswagen used AI deepfake technology to create a commercial featuring a realistic video of the late Brazilian singer Elis Regina duetting with her daughter Maria Rita. The ad, celebrating Volkswagen's 70th anniversary in Brazil, sparked joy among fans but also raised ethical concerns about using AI to resurrect deceased individuals without their consent. Brazil's advertising watchdog Conar launched an investigation into possible ethics breaches after receiving complaints. Volkswagen defended the campaign, stating it had the blessing of the singer's family.
Company
Volkswagen
10 source articlestheguardian.com
WF-6UZ2Y6Happened 11 Apr 2023Live 5 Oct 2026
Photographer sues LAION e.V. over refusal to remove copyrighted images from AI training dataset
Photographer Robert Kneschke requested that LAION e.V. remove his copyrighted images from its LAION-5B dataset used to train AI image generators. LAION refused, claiming the use was covered by copyright exceptions, and demanded €887.03 in legal costs from Kneschke. Kneschke, through his lawyer, then filed a lawsuit at the Landgericht Hamburg against LAION, alleging copyright infringement and seeking removal and information.
Company
LAION e.V.
AI system
LAION-5B dataset
10 source articlesalltageinesfotoproduzenten.de

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

US investigates fatal Tesla crash suspected of involving Autopilot

Snapchat says My AI chatbot's story post was a glitch

CivitAI hosts AI models generating non-consensual porn of real people

Microsoft MSN publishes AI-generated obituary calling deceased NBA player 'useless'

Kaedim used human artists instead of AI for 3D model generation

Google's AI chatbots generate harmful and controversial responses

NHS liver transplant algorithm causes longer waits for younger patients

Remini app allegedly generated child pornography image from user's photo

Amazon locks user's account for a week after driver misinterprets doorbell's automated response

China uses AI-generated images to spread disinformation about Hawaii wildfires

OpenAI's ChatGPT generates political campaign messages despite own rules

Environment Agency's automated flood warnings cause false alarms and late alerts

Google refuses to reinstate man's account after flagging medical images as CSAM

Google's autocomplete subtitles mislead public about conspiracy theorists

Deepfake videos using Synthesia spread disinformation in Mali

MDPI blacklists authors after preprint cites fake AI-generated references

Google autocomplete suggested antisemitic searches to UK users

California regulator accuses Maxpread Technologies of using AI-generated fake CEO to scam investors

Italian court rules Google liable for autocomplete defamation

Google accused of identifying rape victims via search

Cruise robotaxi hits San Francisco fire truck, one injured

Natalia Denegri sues Google to remove old search results

Volkswagen AI deepfake of deceased singer Elis Regina in ad sparks ethical debate

Photographer sues LAION e.V. over refusal to remove copyrighted images from AI training dataset