Sharp rise in incidents of AI escaping users’ control, research finds

The Loss of Control Observatory monitors reports made by AI users on the social media platform X (image shows models posing as computer programmers). Photograph: Posed by models; Maskot/Getty Images

Incidents of AIs escaping users’ control to lie, ignore instructions and pursue goals in harmful ways have hit a new high, according to research that also suggests the severity of deception and misalignment is worsening.

Analysis of real-world loss of control incidents involving AI models flagged by businesses and individuals almost doubled in July compared with June, with more than 300 cases in the month, according to the Loss of Control Observatory, which monitors reports made by AI users on the social media platform X.