UK police admit Copilot AI hallucinations influenced football ban
TL;DR
West Midlands Police have admitted that an October 2025 decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans was influenced by hallucinated information from Microsoft Copilot, contradicting prior denials that AI was used; an inquiry uncovered an incorrect reference to a non-existent West Ham vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match, and the Home Secretary called for accountability, highlighting the need for clear AI policies in policing.
- Deny, deny, admit: UK police used Copilot AI “hallucination” when banning football fans Ars Technica
- Home secretary has no confidence in West Midlands police chief BBC
- UK government urges police chief to quit over ban of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ESPN
- U.K. Home Secretary Presses Police Chief to Resign Over Israeli Soccer Fan Ban The New York Times
- West Midlands police chief apologises after AI error used to justify Maccabi Tel Aviv ban The Guardian
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