Aug Incident

The Aug Incident, which occurs in 2027, refers to an event during which augmented people across the globe are driven to insanity. It is caused by Hugh Darrow who broadcasts a signal from Panchaea designed to affect the Illuminati's biochip. This signal causes augmented people all over the world who received the biochip to viciously attack those around them. The Aug Incident results in the death of millions of innocent people worldwide.

Cause
In 2027, the Illuminati create an artificial “glitch” in the software within augmented people. In response to this glitch, LIMB International (through Illuminati pressure) issue a replacement biochip that the Illuminati intend to use to shut off augmentations at will. Unbeknownst to the Illuminati, Hugh Darrow (one of their own members), goes against their intentions and alters the biochip from its original purpose. With the correct signal, Darrow can now cause mech-augs to lose control of their actions and act violently. Due to his resentment of mechanical augmentation, Darrow wishes for there to be severe restrictions on the technology. He views his altered biochip as a way to change the public's attitude on augmentations. For this reason, he broadcasts the signal during a televised event from Panchaea in the hope that the ensuing frenzy will catalyse a global change in public opinion.

The incident is resolved by Adam Jensen who shuts down Darrow's signal at Panchaea. However, before he can do this, the drastic effects of this disaster have already been felt worldwide.

Aftermath
50 millions of people died and hundreds of thousands more were injured during this event, later referred to as the "Aug Incident". Darrow's wish was realized – mechanical augmentation is now viewed as a threat to humanity. As a result, transhumans are segregated from the rest of society and placed in slum-like ghettos like Golem City. In addition, augmentation manufacturers, such as Sarif Industries, collapse in the wake of the disaster.