Channel Seven has launched an investigation after its YouTube channel was apparently hacked to show on-loop videos of an AI-generated version of Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
The social media account was modified to appear as an official Tesla channel, with videos replaced with a fake live stream of Mr Musk for several hours on Thursday.
In the footage, the AI-generated businessman encouraged viewers to scan a QR code and invest in cryptocurrency.
“All you need to do is scan the QR code on the screen, go to the website and watch your cryptocurrency double,'” he said.
“Today’s event is a chance for all crypto enthusiasts and users to double their assets.
“This is an opportunity that cannot be missed.”
An audience was even seen in the footage, with some members asking Mr Musk questions before he continued to say twice as much would return to investors’ wallets.
A chat box at the side of the clip showed comments from the fake Tesla page, including a link to a website and a comment claiming over $5,000,000 had already been sent.
The main Channel Seven page appeared to have been removed, with users receiving an error message when trying to open the page.
Some other channels operated by the media company are still active, with the apparent hack also affecting 7 News, Spotlight and the old Today Tonight channel before all content was deleted from each page on Thursday afternoon.
A spokesperson for the network said it was aware of the issue and was investigating.
“Seven is aware that some of its branded YouTube channels are not appearing as they should,” they told the ABC.
“Seven is investigating and working with YouTube to resolve the situation as soon as possible.”
It comes after mass redundancies across Seven West Media were announced this week, with 150 staff members expected to lose their jobs.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported earlier this week that Seven West Media’s new chief executive, Jeff Howard, announced the job cuts as part of a renewed drive to find more than $100 million in savings across the business.