AP Twitter account hacked, makes false claim of explosions at White House

[techbeck]

Anyone that follows the Associated Press on Twitter just heard "news" of an unprecedented national crisis. "Two Explosions in the White House and Barack Obama is injured," the AP's account tweeted moments ago. Thankfully onlookers were quick to call fake on the tweet, no doubt aided by the fact that no other news agencies are currently reporting a dire situation at the White House. The formatting is also uncharacteristic of the style guide-enforcing AP, with a bizarre capitalization of "Explosions" and referring to the president by his first name. The news wire has since confirmed it's account has been hijacked, referring to the tweet in question as "bogus."

But effects of the major hack ? not the first to impact a news agency on Twitter ? are already being felt. The Dow plummeted nearly 100 points following the worrying tweet.

http://www.theverge....esident-injured

[LittleNeutrino Veteran]

I have a feeling that if (which the probably wont) catch the person that did this they might also be charged with inducing panic.

[+John Teacake MVC]

That news article sucks! If thats all it takes for the DOW to plummit 100 points then seriously the world is ****ed. Also why wouldn't they refer to him using his first name.

[#Michael]

This is why twitter shouldn't be a source for any real news. Plus I don't see any actual news on this and the stock markets are all gaining. The dow is currently up over 120 points.

[techbeck]

This is why twitter shouldn't be a source for any real news. Plus I don't see any actual news on this and the stock markets are all gaining. The dow is currently up over 120 points.

Google "ap twitter hacked"

[fusi0n]

Trololololololol..lolololol

[Chris123NT]

This is why twitter shouldn't be a source for any real news. Plus I don't see any actual news on this and the stock markets are all gaining. The dow is currently up over 120 points.

Look at the dow graph, there was a very brief blip where it lost all of its gains and then came right back up a little bit ago.

[Faks]

they did outstanding job :) keep up good work !

[compl3x]

It is amazing how a tweet can have such an effect.

[Atomic Wanderer Chicken]

This was not that unbelievable, especially with the recent Boston terror attack and the letters!

[Growled Member]

I like Twitter but it seems to get hacked every other day. I go to a real news site for my news.