Hacked Crosswalks In Bay Area Play Deepfake-Style Messages From Tech Billionaires
Summary
Several crosswalk buttons in Palo Alto and nearby cities were hacked over a weekend, resulting in the playing of deepfake-style audio clips mimicking tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. The audio clips, intended as satirical pranks, led authorities to disable the altered systems after the issue was first reported by a city employee. As many as 12 intersections were affected, causing officials to remove the tampered devices and cautioning motorists to remain vigilant around pedestrians. While the compromised systems have been disabled, videos of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Key Points
- Crosswalk buttons in the Bay Area were hacked to play satirical audio clips that mimicked Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.
- The hacking incident affected up to 12 intersections in Palo Alto, alarming local authorities.
- Authorities have disabled the modified systems and removed the tampered devices.
- Despite the disruption, traffic signal operations remained unaffected.
- The incident highlights growing concerns about cybersecurity and the potential misuse of technology for pranks.
Why should I read this?
This article sheds light on a humorous yet concerning incident that reflects the intersection of technology, public infrastructure, and cybersecurity. It serves as a reminder of how easily digital systems can be manipulated and the implications this holds for society, especially in an era where deepfake technology is becoming increasingly prevalent.
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