A report from Data Privacy Brasil highlights that nearly 30% of issues related to artificial intelligence (AI) usage are linked to psychological harm, according to their newly launched AI Damage Library. This public repository catalogs various negative impacts caused by AI systems. Among the 71 documented cases of AI-related harms, 29.6% pertained to psychological and social damages, which include excessive surveillance and exposure to harmful content.

One striking example aired in the report describes an incident that occurred in Sergipe in 2024, where a man was wrongfully arrested due to a malfunction in an AI-based facial recognition system. João Antônio Trindade, who was simply enjoying a local soccer championship at a stadium, found himself handcuffed by police and taken for interrogation due to an erroneous identification. This incident underscores the broader implications of AI technologies on civil liberties and mental health, as such experiences can lead to lasting trauma and stress for victims.

In another instance from Sergipe in 2023, an administrative assistant named Thaís Santos was mistaken for a fugitive during a cultural event, demonstrating that the inaccuracies of AI systems can lead to significant social harm. These cases not only reveal the shortcomings of current AI technologies but also call for urgent discussions on ethical AI deployment, emphasizing the need for accountability and mental health considerations as AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life.