MIT AI Risk Repository · Risk Category · 03.02.00
Hallucinations
Description
"The inclusion of erroneous information in the outputs from AI systems is not new. Some have cautioned against the introduction of false structures in X-ray or MRI images, and others have warned about made-up academic references. However, as ChatGPT-type tools become available to the general population, the scale of the problem may increase dramatically. Furthermore, it is compounded by the fact that these conversational AIs present true and false information with the same apparent “confidence” instead of declining to answer when they cannot ensure correctness. With less knowledgeable people,
From Navigating the Landscape of AI Ethics and Responsibility (Cunha2023), as extracted by the MIT AI Risk Repository (CC BY 4.0).
Classification
- Domain
- 3. Misinformation
- Subdomain
- 3.1 False or misleading information
- Causal entity
- AI
- Intent
- Unintentional
- Timing
- Post-deployment
Subdomain definition: AI systems that inadvertently generate or spread incorrect or deceptive information, which can lead to inaccurate beliefs in users and undermine their autonomy. Humans that make decisions based on false beliefs can experience physical, emotional or material harms
Real-world incidents in this subdomain
- Nonfiction Book 'The Future of Truth' Reportedly Included AI-Generated and Misattributed Quotations
- Claude Console Reportedly Generated Phantom Legal Quotations in Trump Layoffs Court Filing
- Purportedly AI-Enhanced Images of Iranian Women Protesters Were Reportedly Spread With Unverified Execution Claims
- South Africa Draft National AI Policy Reportedly Included Fictitious References Believed to Be AI Hallucinations
- Purportedly AI-Generated Image Reportedly Misled Daejeon Authorities Searching for Escaped Wolf Neukgu
- Gemini and Grok Reportedly Misidentified Authentic Minab School-Strike Graveyard Photo as Unrelated Disaster Imagery