Google Maps AI Route Errors Lead Hikers into Danger and Trigger Rescues

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Google Maps' AI-driven route recommendations led multiple hikers in Canada to follow non-existent or dangerous 'ghost' trails, resulting in them becoming trapped on hazardous cliffs and requiring helicopter rescues. Similar incidents, including a fatality, have occurred previously, highlighting the risks of relying on flawed AI-generated navigation data.[AI generated]

Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?

Google Maps uses AI systems for route planning and navigation. The article details real harms caused by following its erroneous route suggestions, including injury and death. These harms are directly linked to the AI system's outputs. Therefore, this qualifies as an AI Incident due to the realized harm caused by the AI system's use.[AI generated]
AI principles
SafetyRobustness & digital securityTransparency & explainabilityAccountabilityHuman wellbeing
Industries
Mobility and autonomous vehiclesTravel, leisure, and hospitalityGovernment, security, and defence
Affected stakeholders
Consumers
Harm types
Physical (injury)Physical (death)Economic/PropertyPsychologicalReputational
Business function:
Other
AI system task:
Organisation/recommendersGoal-driven organisationRecognition/object detection

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