The Viral ‘Kia Boys’ Car Theft Trend That’s Going Viral on Instagram
Oct 20, 2023
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Kias and Hyundais being stolen at alarming rates in America. Car manufacturers blaming social media for the crime epidemic. The rise of the 'Kia Boys' trend on Instagram. Exploring car theft trends, engine immobilizers, and the role of social media. Inconsistent policies regarding harmful content on social media. Frustration with content moderation challenges. Brief mention of creating a jingle and a brain training company.
The rise of the Kia Boys trend involves the theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, driven by the desire for social media followers.
The ease of stealing these cars is due to the absence of basic anti-theft technology, resulting in significant losses for insurance companies and car owners.
Car owners face challenges in recovering their stolen cars and navigating the lengthy insurance and repair process.
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Kia and Hyundai, blaming them for the high number of thefts and the strain on policing resources.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been accused of contributing to the theft trend, while automakers deny fault and implement limited security measures.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Kia Boys Trend
The podcast episode discusses the rise of a trend called the Kia Boys, where individuals steal Kia and Hyundai cars and post videos of themselves joyriding in the stolen vehicles. The thefts have increased dramatically in cities like Milwaukee, with stolen Kia and Hyundai vehicles making up a majority of stolen cars. The ease of stealing these cars is attributed to the lack of a basic anti-theft technology, which other manufacturers have implemented. The trend mainly involves teenagers and is fueled by the desire to gain followers on social media platforms.
The Mechanics of Car Theft
The stolen cars are primarily stolen for joyriding purposes and are usually abandoned after running out of gas. The thieves use simple tools like a screwdriver and a USB cord to steal the cars, taking advantage of the absence of engine immobilizer systems in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. After stealing the cars, the thieves often post videos on Instagram, showcasing their reckless driving and gaining followers in the process. The thefts have resulted in significant losses for insurance companies and car owners, leading to lawsuits against the manufacturers.
Challenges in Recovery and Repair
Car owners whose vehicles are stolen face challenges in recovering their cars and getting them repaired. While most stolen cars are eventually found within a short distance from their owners' homes, the insurance and repair process can be lengthy and complicated. Some insurance companies consider writing off the cars due to repeated thefts, and repair shops struggle to source replacement parts in a timely manner. This has caused frustration and financial strain for car owners affected by the Kia Boys trend.
Lawsuits against Kia and Hyundai
There are several lawsuits filed against Kia and Hyundai. One lawsuit alleges negligence and damages due to the absence of immobilizers, leading to increased vehicle theft. Another lawsuit, brought by 17 cities, argues that the overwhelming number of thefts has strained their policing resources. They are suing under public nuisance laws, claiming that taxpayers should not bear the cost of a corporate mistake. The third lawsuit involves insurance companies filing a class action suit due to rising insurance losses.
Kia and Hyundai's Defense and Response
Kia and Hyundai argue that the thefts are not their fault, rather blaming social media platforms for inciting the viral trend. They claim that they have complied with all regulations pertaining to anti-theft technology and have not violated any federal motor vehicle safety standards. Their defense also subtly points fingers at cities for not effectively policing themselves and for changing bail laws. They maintain that social media companies are to blame, rather than admitting fault for not installing inexpensive immobilizer technology in their vehicles.
Measures Taken by Kia and Hyundai
In response to the thefts, Kia and Hyundai have implemented measures for existing vehicles without immobilizers. They offer a software update that simulates the functionality of an immobilizer. While it has been effective for some cars, not all vehicles are eligible for the update. Additionally, they have partnered with local police departments to distribute free steering wheel locks as a deterrent. However, the effectiveness of these measures is debatable, and many car owners are still left vulnerable to theft.
Social Media's Role and Meta's Response
Social media platforms, specifically TikTok and Instagram, have been accused of contributing to the theft trend. However, social media companies deny any responsibility, emphasizing their policies against promoting or encouraging theft. Despite this, accounts sharing theft-related content continue to exist and are difficult to report. Meta, the parent company of Instagram, claims that violating accounts go against Facebook policies, but the effectiveness of their enforcement remains questionable.
Challenges for Car Owners and the Future
Car owners affected by the thefts face numerous challenges, including repair costs, insurance losses, and ongoing vulnerability to theft. The installation of immobilizers and the provision of steering wheel locks have provided some solutions, but not all vehicles can be retroactively equipped. Additionally, the issue raises concerns about the right to repair and the limitations imposed by proprietary parts and software in modern vehicles.
Conclusion and Impact
The increasing number of lawsuits and the ongoing theft trend have significant implications for Kia, Hyundai, and affected car owners. The legal battles highlight the responsibility of automakers in ensuring security measures, while the impact on car owners includes financial losses, safety concerns, and inconvenience. The role of social media platforms and the challenge of enforcement further complicate the issue, calling for comprehensive solutions to address vehicle theft in the digital age.
Kias and Hyundais are being stolen in America at an alarming rate. Using a screwdriver and a USB cable, it’s trivially easy to steal one. Kia and Hyundai blame social media, but the problem is so overwhelming that several cities are suing the car manufacturer for creating a crime epidemic by electing not to build a $100 anti-theft device into some models.
This week on Cyber, Motherboard Reporter Aaron Gordon stops by to walk us through what’s really behind the viral crime wave.
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