AI Hijacking Crosswalk Audio: Bezos, Musk, and Zuckerberg’s Voices Used for Political Pranks

In a bizarre twist of events, tech billionaires are now facing an unexpected form of public mockery: their voices are being hijacked by AI and played through hacked crosswalk audio signals. This latest trend started in Seattle, where pedestrians heard an AI-generated message supposedly from Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos. The hijacked crosswalk systems have drawn attention not only for their audacious content but also for the larger security concerns they reveal about AI-generated voices. These incidents follow similar pranks involving other Silicon Valley moguls, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, and seem to be part of an emerging trend of AI use for political and satirical messages in public spaces.

The case in Seattle took an unexpected turn when crosswalk buttons were altered to play a message that sounded eerily like Bezos himself. The message wasn’t the typical “Wait!” or “Walk” signals that one would expect; instead, it was a bizarre political statement involving Amazon Prime, taxes, and the potential exodus of wealthy individuals from the city. The controversy surrounding these incidents has led to an official response from both Amazon and local authorities, who have voiced concerns over the potential safety risks, especially for the blind or visually impaired who rely on these signals for safe street crossings.

What Happened in Seattle?

The event took place when crosswalks across Seattle began playing an AI-generated message mimicking Jeff Bezos’ voice. The audio message, which began with, “Hello, this is Jeff Bezos,” went on to make a political statement about taxes, rich people fleeing the city, and the impact on average residents. The message humorously concluded with a snippet of comedian Bo Burnham’s “Bezos I” tune, adding to the absurdity of the situation. This unexpected audio hack was shared widely on social media platforms like Reddit and X, leading to a viral discussion about the growing use of AI in public spaces.

The Response from Amazon and Seattle Authorities

Both Amazon and the Seattle Department of Transportation were quick to respond to the situation. Amazon clarified that it did not endorse or sponsor the altered crosswalks, distancing itself from the prank. The Seattle Department of Transportation, in a statement to the media, emphasized the importance of the crosswalk audio messages, particularly for people with vision impairments. They expressed their concern about the tampering and pledged to implement stronger security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This issue isn’t just limited to Seattle. Earlier in the week, similar AI-generated hijacking occurred in Silicon Valley, where crosswalks played Elon Musk’s and Mark Zuckerberg’s voices. Musk’s AI-generated message, which included references to his famous Cybertruck, echoed his usual self-deprecating humor, while Zuckerberg’s voice took a more cynical turn, acknowledging the intrusive nature of AI technology.

What Undercode Say:

These incidents underscore an intriguing and somewhat unsettling trend: the rise of AI-generated voices being used for political or satirical purposes in public spaces. What we’re witnessing here is the convergence of advanced AI, public infrastructure, and social commentary. The nature of these hacks speaks to a broader concern about the vulnerability of public systems to manipulation.

Firstly, the ability to generate convincing voices of public figures raises questions about the security of voice-based technologies in general. Crosswalks, which were designed to assist those with visual impairments, should not be vulnerable to tampering in this way. The consequences of such pranks could go beyond political statements, especially if malicious actors were to use similar methods to disrupt public safety systems.

Secondly, these pranks highlight the growing influence of AI in our everyday lives. While this might seem humorous or innocuous on the surface, the potential for misuse is significant. The idea that anyone can hijack a public system to broadcast a message could pave the way for more dangerous types of disinformation, especially in politically charged environments. If these kinds of pranks continue, there could be a growing public perception that the trustworthiness of AI systems is compromised.

Thirdly, the involvement of public figures like Bezos, Musk, and Zuckerberg in these hacks is not accidental. These individuals have become symbolic of the tech industry’s power and influence, making them prime targets for satirical commentary. The messages themselves are reflective of the public’s often ambivalent relationship with tech giants—companies that are simultaneously lauded for their innovation and criticized for their perceived role in increasing inequality. In a way, these AI-generated voices are not just pranks, but also social commentary on the influence and wealth of Silicon Valley’s elite.

Finally, the response from Amazon and the Seattle Department of Transportation was expected but not without its challenges. While Amazon quickly distanced itself from the situation, the city’s transportation department faced the more complex task of ensuring that the crosswalk system remained safe and reliable for all users. The city’s commitment to stronger security measures will be crucial in preventing future incidents.

Fact Checker Results

AI Mimicking Voices: The crosswalk audio hack incidents in Seattle, Silicon Valley, and beyond are real, with AI-generated voices mimicking Bezos, Musk, and Zuckerberg.
Public Safety Concerns: Authorities have acknowledged the potential risks to public safety, especially for people with visual impairments who rely on crosswalk signals.
Security Vulnerabilities: Both Amazon and the Seattle Department of Transportation are taking steps to improve security measures to prevent future hacks of public infrastructure.