The Rise of Performance Crimes in the US Due to TikTok and Social Media Trends
Viral videos on TikTok and other social media platforms teaching people how to start cars with USB cables and exploit a security vulnerability in some models sold in the U.S. without engine immobilizers have led to a sharp uptick in car thefts, with Hyundai and Kia owners being hit particularly hard. The phenomenon, known as performance crime, has led to an increase in juveniles arrested or charged with car thefts, and has been blamed for at least 14 crashes and eight fatalities. Attorneys general from 17 states have called for a mandatory recall, while multiple cities have filed or announced plans to join legal action against the automakers.
