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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4,459 incidentspress and self-reported

Page 93 of 186

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

WF-VR6R0OHappened 1 Aug 2019Live 5 Oct 2026
LoanDepot algorithm denied mortgage to Black couple in Charlotte
In August 2019, Crystal Marie and Eskias McDaniels, a Black couple, were denied a mortgage for a house in Charlotte, North Carolina, by loanDepot's automated underwriting algorithm. The algorithm rejected the application because Crystal Marie was a contractor, not a full-time employee, despite her high credit score and income. After the couple enlisted their real estate agent and employer to intervene, the lender reversed the decision and cleared them to close. The couple alleged that race played a role in the denial, which loanDepot denied.
Company
loanDepot
AI system
Classic FICO and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac automated underwriting software
10 source articlesapnews.com
WF-A9QFZSLive 5 Oct 2026
Teething problems in Mater Dei's medicine robots addressed
The Malta Union for Midwives and Nurses claimed that a €23 million investment in two computerised drug administration robots, Mario and Sophia, at Mater Dei Hospital had resulted in a complete failure. However, sources within the Health Ministry said that most teething problems have been addressed and that the supplier has not been paid yet. They reported that out of over 1,700 medication rounds, only four required a contingency plan.
Company
Mater Dei Hospital
AI system
Mario and Sophia
6 source articleslovinmalta.com
WF-IJT56IHappened 24 Aug 2021Live 5 Oct 2026
Unity faces employee concerns over military contract transparency
An investigation by Vice Games reported that Unity Technologies is not transparent with its developers about military contracts. Employees allege some are unaware their work on AI tools may become part of Department of Defense projects. CEO John Riccitiello stated the company will not support programs that violate its principles, but sources say many staff are angry. Unity said it cannot police all uses of its engine as it is a tool available to anyone.
Company
Unity Technologies
AI system
Unity engine
8 source articlesgamesindustry.biz
WF-IZNPY5Live 5 Oct 2026
Apple Siri Settlement: How to Claim Up to $95 - Yahoo Finance
Apple Siri Settlement: How to Claim Up to $95 Yahoo Finance
Company
Apple
AI system
Siri
1 source articlefinance.yahoo.com
WF-BSSRTAHappened 30 Apr 2019Live 5 Oct 2026
Danish law enables algorithm to profile unemployed for long-term risk
The Danish parliament passed a law in April 2019 that allows an algorithm to analyse personal data of all unemployed individuals to identify those at risk of long-term unemployment. The system uses data on ethnicity, age, health, and education history to produce a risk score for social workers. Critics, including legal experts and unemployment insurance funds, argue the profiling is stigmatising, lacks transparency, and may violate GDPR. The Danish Data Protection Authority has reopened its review of the law.
Company
Danish Ministry of Employment
10 source articlespolitiken.dk
WF-8NH1AVLive 5 Oct 2026
Study finds credit score algorithms less accurate for minorities
A study of 50 million US consumers found that credit scoring algorithms used by mortgage lenders are less accurate for minority and low-income applicants due to sparse credit data, leading to higher rejection rates. The inaccuracy is due to noise in the data, not bias, so fairer algorithms cannot fix it. The study suggests that adjusting for bias had no effect, and that addressing the inaccuracy could reduce disparities by 50%.
Company
Mortgage lenders (unnamed)
AI system
Credit scoring algorithms
6 source articlestechnologyreview.com
WF-V4BUUGHappened 21 Jun 2022Live 5 Oct 2026
Bruce Springsteen addresses Ticketmaster dynamic pricing outrage
Bruce Springsteen addressed fan outrage over Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing for his 2023 tour, which led to ticket prices skyrocketing up to $5,000. Springsteen said he told his team to do what other artists do and that most tickets were affordable. He offered refunds to fans who complained.
Company
Ticketmaster
AI system
Ticketmaster dynamic pricing
9 source articlesvariety.com
WF-Y9ZIQULive 5 Oct 2026
TikTok shadow-banned LGBT+ hashtags globally, admits censorship
TikTok admitted to shadow-banning hashtags including 'gay', 'lesbian', and 'transgender' in several languages after an Australian think tank report revealed the censorship. The automated moderation system restricted the visibility of these hashtags without notifying users, affecting LGBT+ content worldwide. TikTok claimed the restrictions were due to local laws or mistaken classification and said they are reviewing the terms.
Company
TikTok
10 source articlespinknews.co.uk
WF-J61704Happened 1 Apr 2018Live 5 Oct 2026
Facebook fined for using facial recognition without consent in South Korea
Facebook created and stored facial recognition templates of 200,000 South Korean users without their consent between April 2018 and September 2019. South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) fined Facebook $5.5 million and ordered it to destroy the collected data and obtain proper consent. The PIPC also fined Netflix and issued a warning to Google for other privacy violations.
Company
Facebook
AI system
Facial recognition system
8 source articlestheregister.com
WF-4N6UFDHappened 1 Mar 2021Live 5 Oct 2026
Baltimore schools monitor student laptops for suicide signs using GoGuardian Beacon
Baltimore City Public Schools uses GoGuardian Beacon software to monitor student laptops for signs of suicide. Since March 2021, the system has flagged 786 alerts, with nine students taken to emergency rooms. Privacy advocates warn the monitoring could lead to disciplinary actions, outing of LGBTQ students, and disproportionately affect disadvantaged students. School officials defend the practice as a safeguard.
Company
Baltimore City Public Schools
AI system
GoGuardian Beacon
10 source articlesapnews.com
WF-HYZ75THappened 7 Dec 2017Live 5 Oct 2026
Motorcyclist sues General Motors after self-driving Chevrolet Bolt crash in San Francisco
On 7 December 2017, a self-driving Chevrolet Bolt operated by GM's Cruise subsidiary aborted a lane change and re-entered its lane on Oak Street in San Francisco, striking motorcyclist Oscar Nilsson and knocking him to the ground. Nilsson sued General Motors, claiming neck and shoulder injuries requiring lengthy treatment and resulting in disability leave. The San Francisco Police Department's report blamed Nilsson for passing on the right, but his lawyer disputed this, and GM denied responsibility while emphasising safety.
Company
General Motors
AI system
Chevrolet Bolt autonomous vehicle
10 source articlesmercurynews.com
WF-ADEVSXLive 5 Oct 2026
Facebook Marketplace loophole allows disguised gun sales
Facebook Marketplace uses AI algorithms and human moderators to prevent illegal item sales. However, sellers have exploited a loophole by listing firearms disguised as expensive gun cases, with the actual gun included. The Independent and Wall Street Journal found multiple listings across US states. Facebook acknowledged the violations and stated that such items would be removed.
Company
Facebook
AI system
Facebook Marketplace
10 source articlesindependent.co.uk
WF-HFFASILive 5 Oct 2026
EPIC lawsuit challenges USPS secret surveillance program using facial recognition
The United States Postal Service's law enforcement wing, the Postal Inspection Service, ran a secret surveillance program called the Internet Covert Operations Program (iCOP) that used facial recognition from Clearview AI and social media monitoring tools to infiltrate online communities and monitor protests. The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) sued the USPS for failing to conduct and publish a privacy impact assessment as required by the E-Government Act. A federal district court dismissed the lawsuit on standing grounds, ruling that EPIC did not suffer a cognizable injury from the agency's refusal to disclose information about the program.
Company
United States Postal Service
AI system
Internet Covert Operations Program (iCOP)
10 source articlesepic.org
WF-RXDQ5HLive 5 Oct 2026
MakeApp makeup removal app adds imperfections, causing controversy
MakeApp, an AI-powered app that digitally removes makeup from photos, has caused controversy by adding imperfections such as redness and dullness to users' faces. Users complained on Twitter that the app exacerbates insecurities and low self-esteem. The founder defended the app as an experiment, denying any intent to shame women.
Company
MakeApp
AI system
MakeApp
10 source articlesindependent.co.uk
WF-CR7UKCLive 5 Oct 2026
Report finds unregulated police face recognition affects 117 million Americans
A Georgetown Law report documents that law enforcement face recognition networks include over 117 million American adults, with at least 26 states allowing searches against driver's license and ID photo databases. The report alleges that these systems are largely unregulated, lack accuracy testing, disproportionately affect African Americans, and are not audited for misuse. It calls for legislative regulation and public reporting.
Company
Various law enforcement agencies
AI system
Face recognition technology
10 source articlesperpetuallineup.org
WF-VW425CLive 5 Oct 2026
AI unmasks anonymous chess players, study warns of privacy risks
A study described in Science shows that software can identify people who play chess anonymously, revealing their identities. Researchers, including Alexandra Wood, say the work highlights a growing privacy threat. The article does not name the software or any specific victims.
5 source articlescyber.harvard.edu
WF-16VHADHappened 22 Jan 2018Live 5 Oct 2026
Tesla Model S on Autopilot crashes into fire truck at 65 mph, no injury
A Tesla Model S crashed into a fire truck in Culver City, California, on 22 January 2018. The driver told firefighters the vehicle was on Autopilot. No one was injured. Tesla said Autopilot requires a fully attentive driver.
Company
Tesla
AI system
Autopilot
8 source articleselectrek.co
WF-X0QTXJHappened 9 Feb 2021Live 5 Oct 2026
NFL accused of using race in concussion disability assessments to deny black players benefits
The NFL Concussion Settlement disability assessments allegedly use race as a factor to lower baseline cognitive function scores for black and brown players, making it harder for them to qualify for disability benefits. Physicians are reportedly pressured to use this scale. A petition demands the practice stop and that demographic data be released. The settlement is overseen by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Company
NFL
10 source articleschange.org
WF-3NJL6THappened 1 Jan 2016Live 5 Oct 2026
Buona Scuola algorithm mistakenly assigned thousands of teachers in Italy
In 2016, the Buona Scuola algorithm, used by the Italian Ministry of Education, mistakenly assigned thousands of teachers to wrong professional destinations based on mobility rankings. The system was later discontinued. The incident is reported in the Automating Society Report 2020.
Company
Italian Ministry of Education
AI system
Buona Scuola algorithm
10 source articlesautomatingsociety.algorithmwatch.org
WF-CQ2Y4GHappened 1 Jan 2019Live 5 Oct 2026
Serbia's Ministry of Interior deploys thousands of Huawei facial recognition cameras in Belgrade
In early 2019, Serbia's Ministry of Interior announced the deployment of a thousand smart surveillance cameras with facial and license plate recognition capabilities, supplied by Huawei, across Belgrade. The Ministry refused to release information about the project, citing confidentiality, and failed to conduct a legally required Data Protection Impact Assessment. Citizens responded by crowdsourcing camera locations via the hashtag #hiljadekamera and a website. The system remains in operation with no public debate or transparency.
Company
Ministry of Interior
AI system
Huawei smart surveillance cameras
10 source articlesprivacyinternational.org
WF-EBKFU7Live 5 Oct 2026
Amazon expands palm-scanning payments to all Whole Foods stores amid privacy concerns
Amazon is expanding its Amazon One palm-scanning payment system to all Whole Foods stores by the end of 2023. The biometric technology, which creates a unique palm signature from vein patterns, is used for payments and identification. Privacy advocates and lawmakers have raised concerns about surveillance, data sharing, and security risks. Amazon faces a class action lawsuit under New York City's biometric privacy law for allegedly failing to provide adequate notice.
Company
Amazon
AI system
Amazon One
9 source articlescybernews.com
WF-9NFD73Live 5 Oct 2026
iRobot considers selling Roomba home mapping data to advertisers
iRobot's Roomba vacuum cleaners with mapping technology collect detailed floor plan data of users' homes. The company's CEO stated he is considering selling this data to companies like Amazon, Apple, or Google for advertising purposes. Robotics experts express concern about the lack of user consent and potential privacy implications.
Company
iRobot
AI system
Roomba 960/980
10 source articlesnbcsandiego.com
WF-8CRRJ1Live 5 Oct 2026
Report finds Amazon uses Alexa voice data to serve targeted ads
A report by researchers alleges that Amazon and third parties use voice data from Alexa-enabled Echo speakers to serve targeted ads, sharing data with up to 41 advertising partners. The report says this is inconsistent with Amazon's privacy policies. Amazon denied the findings, saying it does not share voice recordings with advertising networks and that the research is flawed.
Company
Amazon
AI system
Alexa
10 source articlestheverge.com
WF-6WDH9HHappened 1 Jul 2021Live 5 Oct 2026
Natural England biodiversity metric undervalues rewilding habitats
Natural England published a new biodiversity net gain metric in July 2021 that uses an algorithm to score habitat value. Ecologists and conservationists warned that the metric misclassifies scrubby and ruderal habitats as degraded, potentially undervaluing rewilding projects like Knepp estate and leading to inadequate compensation for habitat loss. The article claims the metric could blight hundreds of thousands of sites and penalise rewilding-style management.
Company
Natural England
AI system
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric
10 source articlestheguardian.com

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

LoanDepot algorithm denied mortgage to Black couple in Charlotte

Teething problems in Mater Dei's medicine robots addressed

Unity faces employee concerns over military contract transparency

Apple Siri Settlement: How to Claim Up to $95 - Yahoo Finance

Danish law enables algorithm to profile unemployed for long-term risk

Study finds credit score algorithms less accurate for minorities

Bruce Springsteen addresses Ticketmaster dynamic pricing outrage

TikTok shadow-banned LGBT+ hashtags globally, admits censorship

Facebook fined for using facial recognition without consent in South Korea

Baltimore schools monitor student laptops for suicide signs using GoGuardian Beacon

Motorcyclist sues General Motors after self-driving Chevrolet Bolt crash in San Francisco

Facebook Marketplace loophole allows disguised gun sales

EPIC lawsuit challenges USPS secret surveillance program using facial recognition

MakeApp makeup removal app adds imperfections, causing controversy

Report finds unregulated police face recognition affects 117 million Americans

AI unmasks anonymous chess players, study warns of privacy risks

Tesla Model S on Autopilot crashes into fire truck at 65 mph, no injury

NFL accused of using race in concussion disability assessments to deny black players benefits

Buona Scuola algorithm mistakenly assigned thousands of teachers in Italy

Serbia's Ministry of Interior deploys thousands of Huawei facial recognition cameras in Belgrade

Amazon expands palm-scanning payments to all Whole Foods stores amid privacy concerns

iRobot considers selling Roomba home mapping data to advertisers

Report finds Amazon uses Alexa voice data to serve targeted ads

Natural England biodiversity metric undervalues rewilding habitats