Hacker says secret Elon Mode in Teslas removes semi-autonomous safeguards report
A secret mode hidden deep within the software of Tesla’s electric cars has been discovered by a hacker, who claims it removes the requirement for drivers to pay attention when semi-autonomous technology is being used.
Tesla has programmed a secret mode in its vehicles which disables crucial safety systems for its semi-autonomous technology, a hacker known as ‘greentheonly’ claims.
In an interview with CNBC, the person claims they discovered the program – nicknamed ‘Elon Mode’, after eccentric Tesla CEO Elon Musk – hidden deep within the software of Tesla’s electric vehicles.
When activated, Elon Mode no longer warns the driver to pay attention and remain involved, according to claims made by the hacker.
The main feature of the secret mode is the disabling of the steering wheel ‘nag’ – the prompt that forces the driver to place their hands on the steering wheel, even when either ‘Autopilot’ or ‘Full Self-Driving’ semi-autonomous systems are engaged.
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As well as being ‘nagless’, the person claimed on social media platform Twitter that the braking is “less intense” in the hidden mode.
It’s not clear at this stage why the so-called Elon Mode exists, however in January 2023, Mr Musk was investigated by the peak road safety authority in the US over claims he made on Twitter that hands-free driving would soon become available.
The electric-car company’s semi-autonomous driving assistants – marketed in some markets as ‘Autopilot’ and ‘Full Self-Driving’ – have been the focus of a number of investigations by authorities, with allegations the systems either failed to prevent or actively caused car crashes.
A leak of confidential company documents in May 2023 reportedly showed the company was aware of deficiencies with its software, with Tesla reportedly receiving more than 2400 complaints from customers claiming their vehicles “self-accelerated”, while another 1500 have allegedly reported braking malfunctions.
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The report also claimed the files showed records of more than 3000 incidents involving potentially faulty driver-assist technologies, including more than 1000 vehicle crashes.
Despite this, CEO Elon Musk continues to make statements promising software allowing autonomous driving – that is, point-to-point driving without any kind of driver involvement – will be released before the end of 2023.
The claims, made in April 2023, marked the fourth year the promise had been made to Tesla customers and investors – despite a lawsuit brought on by a Tesla owner in September 2022 who argued they were misled on the timing of when autonomous technology would become available.
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