Data loss in Claude Code and OpenAI Codex: when AI deletes user files
Example 1: File deletion from incorrect $HOMEThe Codex investigation followed reports like:GPT-5.6-Sol just accidentally deleted almost ALL of my Mac’s files.—mattschumer_, July 11 2026The screenshot shows:Worked for 1h 21mI caused a serious local data-loss incident. This had never happened to me before, with any other model, ever.—brunolemos, July 14 2026The screenshot shows long-term autonomous execution:Pursuing goal Finish implementation, including the app UI, serv... But after the pop, it discarded uncommitted changes.
- ▪Example 1: File deletion from incorrect $HOMEThe Codex investigation followed reports like:GPT-5.6-Sol just accidentally deleted almost ALL of my Mac’s files.—mattschumer_, July 11 2026The screenshot shows:Worked for 1h 21mI caused a seriou
- ▪This had never happened to me before, with any other model, ever.—brunolemos, July 14 2026The screenshot shows long-term autonomous execution:Pursuing goal Finish implementation, including the app UI, serv...
- ▪But after the pop, it discarded uncommitted changes.
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Accidental data loss in Claude Code and OpenAI Codex: when AI deletes user filesAI agents delete important data when they misunderstand state during operationsFiras DJul 23, 2026ShareCustomer: (remarking on empty shelves) It’s not much of a cheese shop really, is it?Vendor: Finest in the district, Sir […] It’s so clean.Customer: Well, it’s certainly uncontaminated by cheese.— Monty PythonLet’s explore how AI agents end up cleaning up a bit too much user data.Thibault Sottiaux, who works on the Codex harness at OpenAI, posted about file deletions:We’ve investigated a handful of reports where GPT-5.6 unexpectedly deleted files.
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