Why it matters: Chang Chi-yuan was preparing to publicly attempt to take down Zuckerberg's Facebook account but as the story gained global attention, it seems as though the white-hat hacker wisely reconsidered. Pulling off such a feat would probably have resulted in some serious legal repercussions.
A Taiwanese white-hat hacker named Chang Chi-yuan will make an attempt to delete the Facebook account of founder Mark Zuckerberg this weekend and promises to livestream the whole thing.
Bug bounty hunters like Chi-yuan typically do their work behind the scenes, disclosing vulnerabilities to companies privately and securely in exchange for a cash reward. Rarely do they attract attention like this, much less livestream their antics and alert potential targets beforehand.
Chi-yuan is described by Bloomberg as a minor celebrity among locals. Previous efforts have earned him spots on talk shows to discuss his findings and generated various news reports. He was featured in Line's 2016 hall of fame list as a special contributor.
According to Chi-yuan's Facebook post, the live attempt to take down Zuckerberg's account will start at 6:00 p.m. local time which works out to 6:00 a.m. Eastern time this Sunday, September 30.
Update: As this story was unfolding and making headlines around the globe, Chi-yuan posted a follow-up message on Facebook. The translation is rough but it sounds as if he is calling off the whole thing. We've republished the translated statement below:
I think long
Even if I find more loopholes, get more bonus.
Still a lot of people question my ability
I shouldn't really take zcuk's account number this time to experiment and prove strength
Result I haven't done it now
There's news in the country first.
Now there's news in the country too.
That live trailer was originally wanted to make people in Taiwan
I didn't think I'd let the abroad notice it first.
Now I have two results
One is really done
Was said I was fake
Or too high-profile thinking red
The other one is I didn't do it
Still being said I'm fake
Or too high-profile thinking red
Anyway the result is no one will believe
Then to avoid unnecessary trouble
I don't live or delete account number
Otherwise, there's no bonus to take it.
Because after I finished the live wen
The official responded to my loophole.
Sorry to have you guys too much
I cut your umbilical cord
But this is something you guys watch
I'm a bad guy.
Zuck innocent victim thing
You guys just believe in other than Zucc'd
One has $ 7'D presence is ok
I should be glad I'm not really crazy.
No really delete
Just as this whole thing is my mouth
If just someone fb was boarded
Then just get boarded
No worries
Lead image via SIPA USA/PA Images