Channel Seven has launched an investigation after its YouTube channel was apparently hacked to show on-loop videos of an AI-generated version of Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
The social media account was modified to appear as an official Tesla channel, with videos replaced with a fake live stream of Mr Musk for several hours on Thursday.
(Source: Supplied)
In the footage, the AI-generated businessman encouraged viewers to scan a QR code and invest in cryptocurrency.
“All you need to do is scan the QR code on the screen, go to the website, and watch your cryptocurrency double,” he said. “Today’s event is a chance for all crypto enthusiasts and users to double their assets. This is an opportunity that cannot be missed.”
An audience was even seen in the footage, with some members asking Mr Musk questions before he continued to say twice as much would return to investors’ wallets.
A chat box at the side of the clip showed comments from the fake Tesla page, including a link to a website and a comment claiming over $5,000,000 had already been sent.
I saw this on YouTube early this morning. Today media are reporting a hack of 7west. All channel 7 accounts were running this livestream with Elon asking you to deposit cryptoband have it doubled. Thousands of people were watching the one I went into. I wonder if many people… pic.twitter.com/WdGh7wFoBO
— Francynancy (@FranMooMoo) June 27, 2024
The main Channel Seven page appeared to have been removed, with users receiving an error message when trying to open the page.
Some other channels operated by the media company are still active, with the apparent hack also affecting 7 News, Spotlight, and the old Today Tonight channel before all content was deleted from each page on Thursday afternoon.
A spokesperson for the network said they were aware of the issue and were investigating.
“Seven is aware that some of its branded YouTube channels are not appearing as they should,” they told the ABC. “Seven is investigating and working with YouTube to resolve the situation as soon as possible.”
Hackers likely chose Mr Musk to deepfake and promote the site as tweets from the Tesla CEO have been known to significantly impact the crypto market, especially with meme coins such as Dogecoin, thanks to his dedicated following.
In 2020, Musk was one of several high-profile Twitter users, including Bill Gates, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, who was briefly hacked to promote a Bitcoin scam.
The incident comes after a tough week for Seven, as the network revealed a mass round of redundancies in an attempt to cut costs.
I heard about this….
7 are a joke…— Mickamious (@MickamiousG) June 27, 2024
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Seven West Media’s new chief executive, Jeff Howard, announced the job cuts as part of a renewed drive to find more than $100 million in savings across the business.
Weather reporter Paul Burt, who became a fan favorite during his 11-year stint broadcasting for both the Gold Coast and Brisbane stations, was one of around 150 staff members let go.
Burt went viral in 2022 after famously interrupting his own live cross to race into the ocean at Surfer’s Paradise and rescue a struggling young boy.
It’s a pretty good deep fake but his voice is a bit monotone sounding.
— Francynancy (@FranMooMoo) June 27, 2024
There has also been a huge reduction within the senior executive ranks of the network, a move that has shocked industry watchers.
Prominent industry commentator Tim Burrowes, publisher of the Unmade newsletter, described it as “one of the most dramatic days the media market has seen.”
Billionaire Kerry Stokes’ media business is in serious trouble, with Chief Revenue Officer Kurt Burnette, Chief Marketing and Audience Officer Melissa Hopkins, and Head of Network Sport and Melbourne Managing Director Lewis Martin among those sent packing.
Comment
byu/TourettesWife from discussion
inaustralian
The company described it as a necessary part of a massive restructure, while Burrowes called it a “massacre.”
Factor in the departure of CEO James Warburton, legal chief Bruce McWilliam, and news chief Craig McPherson in April, and the leadership of Australia’s most-watched TV network has changed almost entirely in just two months.
Comment
byu/TourettesWife from discussion
inaustralian
Channel Seven’s experience underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting digital assets and preventing the misuse of technology for fraudulent activities.
For more news and insights, visit AI News on our website.
