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Hackers Hijack Silicon Valley Crosswalks with AI-Generated Mockery of Tech Titans

Authorities disable spoofed messages targeting Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg as investigations into the breach continue.

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AI-generated fake audio of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg plays at California crosswalks
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Overview

  • Hackers exploited crosswalk systems in Palo Alto, Redwood City, and Menlo Park to broadcast AI-generated audio mocking Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.
  • The deepfake recordings included satirical monologues criticizing the tech billionaires, with some messages referencing Musk's ties to former president Donald Trump.
  • City officials have disabled the altered audio messages and are working to strengthen cybersecurity protections on civic infrastructure.
  • Authorities have not yet identified the perpetrators or determined how the crosswalk systems were compromised.
  • Officials emphasize that tampering with public infrastructure is illegal and poses significant safety risks to the community.