Hackers reprogram California crosswalks to use Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg’s voices
If you’ve seen the tech-comedy Silicon Valley, there’s a lot of truth behind the show’s mocking of the region. It’s a tech-centric part of California, and a majority of the area’s residents are software engineers, CEOs of tech companies, and many tech companies have headquarters there—think Google, Meta, and Tesla.
Last weekend, pedestrians were shocked to hear the likes of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg playing through the speakers of crosswalk signals crossing the streets of Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Redwood City.
A video uploaded to TikTok recorded “Zuckerberg’s” message to signal it’s safe to cross.
“Hi, this is Mark Zuckerberg. The real ones call me ‘Zuck,” said Zuck through the crosswalk speakers. “It’s normal to feel uncomfortable or even violated as we forcefully insert AI into every … facet of your conscious experience. And I just want to assure you, you don’t need to worry because there’s absolutely nothing you can do to stop it. Anyways, see ya.”
Musk’s crosswalk message, of course, mentioned a Cybertruck
While “Zuckerberg” encouraged people to feel more comfortable with AI, Musk’s message was more believable.
“Hi, this is Elon Musk. Welcome to Palo Alto, the home of Tesla engineering,” the recording said. “You know, they say money can’t buy happiness, and … I guess that’s true. God knows I’ve tried. But it can buy a Cybertruck, and that’s pretty sick, right? Right? F***, I’m so alone.”
Twelve intersections across the region were reportedly hacked, though the city called it a “malfunction.” To put an end to it, the city disabled the speakers until repairs could be made.
Investigators from all three cities are trying to find the hackers responsible. Authorities in Menlo Park were able to determine that the “attack” happened close to Meta’s campus. No one has said what will happen to the hackers, and what charges, if any, they’ll face.
Viewers think the hacking was harmless
Of course, using Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg’s voices to signal it’s okay to cross is a victimless crime. In fact, NBC Bay Area’s viewers think hackers should use different voices, as many found it hilarious.
“Can we get one of Ludacris singing, ‘Move, b***h, get out the way, get out the way…” asked a viewer.
Someone else said it showcases a serious talent.
“Now, this is a great use of tech skills,” they wrote, followed by three laughing emojis.
Another said it was likely entertaining for those who need the signals.
“Hey, blind people need a good laugh, too,” they wrote.