As artificial intelligence (AI) technology becomes more commonly used as a means to grapple with any number of tasks at work and in people’s “everyday lives,” allegations of unlawful AI use are increasingly leading to serious criminal charges across the country.
While AI tools can be valuable resources for good, their misuse—whether intentional or accidental—can trigger investigations, arrests and harsh penalties.
Common forms of misuse and their potential consequences
Unlawful use of AI can involve a wide range of activities. One major concern is AI-assisted fraud. AI can be used to create highly convincing fake documents, generate fraudulent financial transactions, or run sophisticated phishing schemes. If an individual uses AI to deceive others for personal or financial gain, they could face charges like wire fraud, identity theft, forgery, or conspiracy—all of which risk the potential for significant prison time and fines.
Another growing area of concern is deepfake technology. Deepfakes use AI to create realistic but fake videos, images, or audio recordings. While some deepfakes are harmless entertainment, others are used to commit crimes such as extortion, defamation, harassment, or political misinformation. If AI-generated content causes harm or violates the law, the person responsible for creating or distributing it can face criminal charges.
Hacking and unauthorized access are also areas where AI misuse can lead to criminal liability. AI tools can automate and speed up attempts to breach computer systems, gather confidential data, or disable security protections. Under both federal and state laws, unauthorized access to computer systems—even if no actual damage is done—can result in serious charges like computer intrusion or cyberterrorism.
In addition, privacy violations fueled by AI use are becoming more common. AI programs that scrape personal information from websites, social media, or private databases without permission may violate privacy laws, leading to criminal investigations. Using AI to track, monitor, or profile individuals without consent can also give rise to charges such as stalking, unlawful surveillance, or wiretapping.
Courts and prosecutors are beginning to take AI-related offenses very seriously. Even if technology was used unknowingly or the consequences of its use were unintended, defendants can still be held responsible for them. As a result, anyone who has allegedly used AI for unlawful purposes would be wise to seek dedicated, personalized legal guidance and support right away.