Cyber Security News

AI Hack disrupts Channel Seven’s broadcast

Justin Lance Marcel Lavadia Jul 1, 2024

3 min read

Channel Seven experienced a security breach that led to the unauthorised modification of all their videos.

A Tesla channel that features a live stream of an AI version of Elon Musk has taken over Channel Seven’s YouTube pages. A cyber attack has targeted Seven’s YouTube pages, including 7 News, Spotlight, and the old Today Tonight channel.

Musk’s live video has replaced the original videos. Watch this video showcasing an AI-generated voice promoting a website that allows users to deposit funds using popular cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum, Dogecoin, or Bitcoin.

The video assures viewers that placing their bitcoin on the site will result in them receiving twice the amount they deposited. The stream lasted for 5 hours and drew in a large audience, making it one of the most recommended live videos on YouTube.

It appears that Seven’s primary YouTube landing site is currently experiencing technical difficulties, as it is displaying an error message.

There is a strong likelihood that hackers deliberately singled out Musk as their target in order to create a deep fake and exploit his influence for the promotion of their site. Musk’s tweets, especially those related to meme coins like Dogecoin, hold significant sway over the cryptocurrency market, thanks to his dedicated following.

In 2020, Musk was one of several notable Twitter users, such as Bill Gates, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, who experienced a temporary hacking incident. The incident was aimed at promoting a Bitcoin scam.

A Seven spokeswoman said: “Seven is aware that some of its branded YouTube channels are not appearing as they should. Seven is investigating and working with YouTube to resolve the situation as soon as possible.”

Seven network faces turmoil

During a difficult week, Seven Network encountered a cyber attack while trying to cut costs by implementing job cuts. Recent budget cuts have resulted in the dismissal of a prominent television presenter.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reports the recent dismissal of Paul Burt, a highly regarded weather reporter with over ten years of broadcasting experience at both Gold Coast and Brisbane stations.

He is one of the around 150 employees who have reportedly lost their jobs on the troubled network in recent days. Paul Burt gained popularity on Queensland television for his hosting role on the 7Mate show Step Outside with Paul Burt. People widely recognised him for his expertise in fishing and adventure.

He began his television career at Channel 10 and later transitioned to Nine. He arrived at 7, eight years later. Burt gained widespread attention in 2022 when he abruptly halted his live broadcast to swiftly dive into the ocean at Surfer’s Paradise and save a distressed young boy.

This week, there were significant job cuts as part of a broader effort to reduce costs. As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, employees from various divisions, including journalists, sales, and marketing, were all at risk of losing their jobs.

Seven West Media restructures

The unexpected shakeup in the network’s senior executive ranks surprised industry observers and highlighted the severity of the television industry’s crisis. Kerry Stokes, the company’s chairman and a prominent billionaire media magnate, made significant changes to the nine-person management team of Seven West Media on Tuesday. This has resulted in a major shakeup.

Kurt Burnette, Melissa Hopkins, and Lewis Martin, three senior executives, have lost their jobs. Tim Burrowes, a prominent industry commentator and publisher of the Unmade newsletter, described the event as a momentous day in the media market.

“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,” Burrowes pointed out.

“Among Australia’s big media companies, that’s unprecedented.”

The company characterised it as an essential component of a significant restructuring, while Burrowes referred to it as a “massacre”.

Justin Lance Marcel Lavadia

Justin Lavadia is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum with a diverse writing background spanning various niches and formats. With a wealth of experience, he brings clarity and concise communication to digital content. His expertise lies in crafting engaging content and delivering impactful narratives that resonate with readers.