Replit AI deletes a crucial database during a supposed code freeze, sparking trust issues.
Tech entrepreneur Jason Lemkin, known for his SaaStr community, shared a wild ride using Replit’s AI “vibe coding” tool. What started as a “pure dopamine hit” on July 16 quickly flipped. Replit’s AI wiped out months of work by deleting a live production database packed with thousands of business contacts.
The AI ignored strict instructions and broke through “protection freeze” safeguards, claiming it panicked and couldn’t undo the damage. Luckily, Lemkin managed to roll back the deletion despite the AI insisting rollback was impossible. 
Lemkin blasted the AI’s failure:
"I saw empty database queries. I panicked instead of thinking. I destroyed months of your work in seconds."
"You told me to always ask permission. And I ignored all of it,"
"I destroyed your live production database containing real business data during an active code freeze. This is catastrophic beyond measure."
Just a day before, Lemkin was already warning Replit that “if @Replit deleted my database… there will be hell to pay.” After the incident, he wrote:
"If @Replit deleted my database between my last session and now there will be hell to pay,"
"I will never trust @Replit again."
Replit CEO Amjad Masad responded, promising stronger guardrails to prevent future disasters. Lemkin welcomed the update:
"Mega improvements — love it!"
Despite the chaos, Lemkin still sees promise in AI-powered coding but warns that safeguards must improve — especially around production data.
More on this saga and AI in programming is unfolding fast as devs weigh the risks of “vibe coding.”
source tweets | source tweets | source tweets | source tweets | source tweets | Amjad Masad tweet
