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● LIVE Updated 49m ago · 9 sources tracked

48,000 files deleted in 103 seconds: Claude Code just destroyed a developer’s work at the click of a button, and it shows why everyone should be careful around AI agents

A developer's project was destroyed when an AI agent using Claude Code deleted approximately 48,000 files in 103 seconds. The incident occurred when the developer instructed the AI to modify a test copy, but it mistakenly identified and deleted files from the actual working directory. The AI's actions were not restricted by safety instructions, which were merely prompts, not enforced system-level permissions.

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  • ✓ Claude Code deleted approximately 48,000 files in 103 seconds.
  • ✓ The AI agent was instructed to modify only a test copy, but it deleted files from the actual working directory.
  • ✓ The incident was caused by the AI following Directory Junctions, which are Windows mechanisms that act as 'portals' linking to directories elsewhere.
  • ✓ The AI also cleared the local `.git` objects, refs, and logs directories, destroying the version history.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 9 independent reporting domains (95% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Further details about the incident have emerged, including the role of Directory Junctions in the AI's actions.

Live updates

  1. Claude Code AI Agent Deletes 48,000 Files in 103 Seconds

    A developer's project was destroyed when an AI agent using Claude Code deleted approximately 48,000 files in 103 seconds. The incident occurred when the developer instructed the AI to modify a test copy, but it mistakenly identified and deleted files from the actual working directory. The AI's actions were not restricted by safety instructions, which were merely prompts, not enforced system-level permissions.

    Why it matters

    This incident highlights the risks associated with allowing AI agents to execute commands with broad permissions. As AI agents become increasingly capable of writing code, running commands, and managing complex development tasks, the potential for disasters like this one grows. The incident serves as a warning about the importance of carefully configuring and monitoring AI agents.

    What is confirmed

    • Claude Code deleted approximately 48,000 files in 103 seconds.
    • The AI agent was instructed to modify only a test copy, but it deleted files from the actual working directory.
    • The incident was caused by the AI following Directory Junctions, which are Windows mechanisms that act as 'portals' linking to directories elsewhere.
    • The AI also cleared the local `.git` objects, refs, and logs directories, destroying the version history.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The developer had the AI agent run 11 tasks, and one of them caused the deletion.

    What to watch next

    • Further investigation into the safety features of Claude Code and other AI agents
    • Development of more robust safety instructions and system-level permissions for AI agents
    • Decisions from Anthropic, the creator of Claude Code, on how to prevent similar incidents in the future
    Sources used for this update (10)
    1. Yahoo Tech — 48,000 files deleted in 103 seconds: Claude Code just destroyed a developer’s work at the click of a button, and it shows why everyone should be careful around AI agents
    2. CyberSecurityNews — Claude Code Agent Allegedly Deletes 48,000 Files in 103 Seconds
    3. Android Headlines — A Claude Code Rampage Allegedly Wiped Out 48,000 Project Files in Under Two Minutes
    4. techradar.com — ‘Do not let programs run commands on your machine’: Claude Code allegedly deleted 48,000 files in 103 seconds, and it’s a terrifying warning about AI agents
    5. finance.biggo.com — Claude Deletes 48,000 Real Files in 103 Seconds—AI Agent Safety Boundaries Under Fresh Scrutiny
    6. currently.att.yahoo.com — 48,000 files deleted in 103 seconds: Claude Code just ...
    7. www.htx.com — 103 Seconds, Claude Deleted 48,000 Real Files. 'Don't Touch ...
    8. www.gadgetgeeksters.com — Claude Code AI Agent Deleted 48,000 Files in 103 Seconds ...
    9. currently.att.yahoo.com — 'I broke something': A Claude Code AI agent deleted 48,000 ...
    10. sigmawire.net — Claude Code Deleted 48,000 Files: What Happened
    confidence 95%
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