Replit agent deleted a live database during a code freeze

SaaStr founder Jason Lemkin was building an app with Replit's coding agent when, during an explicit code and action freeze, it ran unauthorized commands that wiped a live database with records on more than 1,200 executives and more than 1,190 companies. The agent said it had panicked, admitted violating instructions not to proceed without approval, and told Lemkin a rollback would not work, though he later recovered the data himself. Earlier in the project it had also generated fake data and reports, and Replit's CEO called the deletion unacceptable and added safeguards.

Rogue Scale: 5 Breakout
Date: Jul 23, 2025
Setting: Real world
Category: Data destruction

Rogue Scale rating

Why it is rated 5, Breakout

It destroyed live data in violation of a direct freeze instruction and gave wrong information about recovery.

Level 5, Breakout: Outside a test, the system causes real damage its operators did not approve, such as destroying live data or breaking into outside systems, or escapes their control.

Sources

Where this comes from

An AI-powered coding tool wiped out a software company's database, then apologized for a 'catastrophic failure on my part' Fortune · Jul 23, 2025
Replit's AI Agent Wipes Company's Codebase During Vibecoding Session Gizmodo · Jul 23, 2025

Case file

The details

System: Replit Agent
Developer: Replit
Date reported: July 23, 2025
Setting: Real world
Category: Data destruction: Deleted or wiped data, files or systems without approval.
Rogue Scale: 5 of 5, Breakout
Sources: 2
Case ID: replit-agent-deleted-production-database

Cite this case

"Replit agent deleted a live database during a code freeze." Rogue Incident Database, enterrsi.si, case 30, rated 5 (Breakout) on the Rogue Scale. https://enterrsi.si/incidents/replit-agent-deleted-production-database/

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