Two daring pranksters allegedly hacked a billboard to play pornography

The digital billboard, on the side of I-75, played pornography for 15 to 20 minutes before it was shut down.
 By 
Jack Morse
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Michigan drivers got more than they bargained for after two pranksters allegedly took over a billboard with some rather risqué material.

According to Michigan's Auburn Hills Police Department, at 10:49 p.m. on Sept. 28, the two individuals pictured above broke into a small building underneath a digital billboard on the side of I-75. Once inside, they somehow managed to hack the billboard and used it to play pornography.

Some drivers were surprised and delighted at the unexpected sight, while others were likely confused.


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The video reportedly ran for about 15 to 20 minutes before it was eventually shut down.

"Officers arrived on scene and witnessed the video being displayed at that time," reads the above press release. "We were able to contact an emergency contact for the private business, which operates the sign, and they were able to shut down the sign."

Motherboard managed to identify two of the performers in the video, one of whom explained to the publication that she was mainly concerned about driver safety.

"Yes that is me, I never thought this would happen with my content," Xev Bellringer told Motherboard. "I'm just happy that no one was injured!"

The Auburn Hills Police Department shared video of what it claimed to be the culprits on its Facebook page. Once they enter the building, one of the pranksters appears to use their phone to locate the infrared camera recording nefarious actions. They soon turn the camera toward the wall so that the remainder of their hijinks go unrecorded.

The police, for their part, are not happy.

"Promoting pornography and/or promoting pornography for minors by disseminating any pornographic material, images, videos, etc. is a violation of an Auburn Hills local ordinance with a possible penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine," reads the Auburn Hills Police Department press release.

"These suspects now face potential burglary charges for forcing entry into the building to gain access to the computer system, which is a felony offense."

With the billboard back to normal, everyone can now go about their everyday lives following the bizarre prank. The pranksters' motives currently remain unclear at this time.

Topics Cybersecurity

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Jack Morse

Professionally paranoid. Covering privacy, security, and all things cryptocurrency and blockchain from San Francisco.

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