DeepSummary
The episode discusses a viral trend on TikTok called 'Kia Boys,' where teenagers steal Kia and Hyundai cars due to a security vulnerability that allows them to start the vehicles with a USB cable. The trend started in Milwaukee and spread across the United States, leading to a significant increase in car thefts and related accidents, including fatalities.
The absence of engine immobilizers in certain models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles made them easy targets for theft. While the companies claimed it was a cost-cutting measure, they eventually settled a $200 million lawsuit and agreed to provide software upgrades and compensation to affected owners.
The episode explores the sociological factors behind the 'Kia Boys' phenomenon, such as teenage rebellion and the impact of economic and racial segregation in cities like Milwaukee, which may have contributed to the emergence of this subculture.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Kia and Hyundai vehicles without engine immobilizers were targeted by a viral trend of car theft called 'Kia Boys' due to a security vulnerability that allowed them to be started with a USB cable.
- The 'Kia Boys' trend started in Milwaukee and spread across the United States, leading to a significant increase in car thefts and related accidents, including fatalities.
- Kia and Hyundai initially claimed not installing immobilizers was a cost-cutting measure but eventually settled a $200 million lawsuit and agreed to provide software upgrades and compensation.
- The sociological factors driving the 'Kia Boys' phenomenon, such as teenage rebellion and economic and racial segregation in cities like Milwaukee, contributed to the emergence of this subculture.
- TikTok faced challenges in moderating content related to the 'Kia Boys' trend, as some videos did not explicitly violate community guidelines but could still inspire harmful behavior.
- The legal and social consequences of the 'Kia Boys' trend included arrests, crashes, and fatalities, highlighting the real-world impact of viral internet trends.
- The episode raises questions about corporate responsibility, internet culture's influence on youth, and the need for effective security measures in consumer products.
- The 'Kia Boys' phenomenon underscores the role of economic and social factors in shaping youth subcultures and the importance of addressing systemic issues.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “The rules say we don't have to do this. So we don't.“ by Jordan Bloemen (paraphrasing Hyundai's statement)
- “For years, Kia and Hyundai cut corners and sold vehicles they knew were so unsafe they could be stolen with ease by a teenager with access to simple tools and a TikTok account. Keyon Hyundai's negligence in pursuit of corporate profit is unconscionable.“ by Columbus City attorney Zach Klein (quoted by Jordan Bloemen)
- “The wildest thing I ever seen. Somebody asked to drive, and then they crash, they flip the car in less than 20 seconds.“ by A 'Kia Boy' (quoted by Jordan Bloemen)
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Episode Information
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Hacked
7/1/23