In today’s tech-driven and AI-powered world, the boundaries between the digital and physical realms have blurred. The internet era has given citizens unprecedented platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook to voice their opinions and share news instantly. As a result, e-protests have become an increasingly common and impactful way to express dissent: creative, bold, and at times, even humorous.
On January 24, one example of just that captured global attention from Georgia, seeing the public transport fare machine system falling victim to a cyberattack. This act, while disruptive, seemed to carry a mischievous tone rather than malicious intent. It’s what some might call the work of “green-hat” or “white-hat” hackers, aiming to make a statement rather than cause harm. Interestingly, the renowned hacking group Anonymous later confirmed that Georgian hackers, affiliated with their larger network, had orchestrated the attack. It’s a vivid reminder of how interconnected and unpredictable our digital world has become.
This wasn’t the first time such an incident occurred in Georgia. Just a few months ago, Anonymous claimed responsibility for hacking several government websites, leaving a bold message: “Citizens should not fear their government; instead, the government should fear its citizens.” What follows is an exploration of how technology and e-protests have reshaped the way people demand change, through innovation, humor, and a touch of rebellion—a call for change and action.
On January 24, the payment machines on Tbilisi’s buses and minibuses suddenly started playing some rather unexpected tunes. Passengers woke up to a reality that was as surprising as it was entertaining. While some were understandably concerned, others couldn’t help but laugh and enjoy the unexpected free rides. Apparently, someone decided to pull off a digital prank by hacking into the system. But instead of chaos, they delivered a unique and, dare we say, curated playlist. Imagine hearing speeches from past Georgian presidents, political rants, billionaire pledges, and even the Georgian and EU anthems, all while riding the bus.
Who needs a regular commute when you can have a soundtrack like that? Of course, the incident caused a bit of a stir and required some quick tech support to set things right. But it also served as a reminder that even the most routine aspects of our daily lives can turn extraordinary in the digital age.
And it wasn’t just commuters who got creative; small entrepreneurs joined the fun too! Companies like Altersocks made a playful statement that sparked a discussion about printing fare machine designs on socks. Meanwhile, Gani Handmades introduced fare machine keychains. These quirky creations turned a moment of digital mischief into a source of inspiration for art and business alike.
This unexpected prank might not have been part of anyone’s plans, but it certainly added a bit of excitement to the everyday hustle of public transport. For a brief moment, Tbilisi’s buses and minibuses didn’t just get people from A to B—they brought a little humor and creativity to the whole city. If you take a quick look at Twitter, you’ll see how international media and foreigners are retweeting and sharing the story—it’s spread across the globe, seeing the buses of Tbilisi \ becoming unlikely influencers in their own right!
The buzz around this digital prank has turned into a worldwide sensation, showing how a little creativity and technology can go a long way in the age of social media. A simple hack on a public transport system became a symbol of resistance, a spark of defiance in the digital realm. This prank might have been unplanned, but it brought a much-needed dose of laughter and joy to the city. And more importantly, it served as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, creativity and resistance can find the most unexpected ways to thrive. The hacked fare machines on Tbilisi’s buses truly outdid themselves, becoming the city’s most unexpected performers: Passengers were treated to an unforgettable soundtrack filled with memorable quotes, historic moments, and even a touch of cheeky humor.
Zurab Zhvania’s iconic declaration: “I am Georgian and therefore I am European,” was heard; a historic quote, first spoken at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in 1999, that brought a sense of pride and nostalgia to riders as it echoed through the buses. The machines didn’t stop there; they played the national anthems of Georgia and the European Union, adding a touch of grandeur to the daily commute. And to top it all off, the fare machines played chants of “Glory to Georgia! Glory to Ukraine!”, bringing a unifying and uplifting message to everyone onboard.
This unexpected mix of sound bites turned ordinary bus rides into a unique mix of history lesson, political theater, and comedy hour. Who knew a simple transport system could create such an unforgettable experience?
But just as suddenly as it began, the surreal bus ride experience came to an end. So, what happened next?
AnonymousTV delivered a powerful message on Twitter: “This is a warning to the oppressors: your crimes against democracy and your people will not go unanswered. To the people of Georgia: Rise, resist, and reclaim your freedom. You are not alone in this fight.”
The government’s response: A few hours later, the fare payment system was restored.
Tbilisi City Hall explained: “A fault was detected on the devices installed in public transport, which are supported by the Bank of Georgia’s contractor companies, LLC ‘MS+’ and LLC ‘Azri.’ As a result, an audio recording was activated. Representatives from the relevant companies immediately began working to resolve the issue. The devices will be reactivated as soon as the fault is corrected. In the meantime, public transport will operate without charging passengers.”
Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating: “The investigation will definitely determine where the cyberattack came from, with whose involvement, and how it was carried out. An investigation into the cyberattack must be launched.”
The Interior Ministry has since initiated an investigation under Article 284 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to unauthorized access to a computer system.
By the early afternoon, the passenger payment systems were back. However, questions remain about who was responsible for the audio material and whether the incident was linked to another cyberattack the day prior, one that targeted the website of Tbilisi City Mall, displaying hateful messages and obscenities.
This curious mix of entertainment, disruption, and investigation has left Tbilisi residents wondering what the next twist in the story will be! What started as an unexpected disruption, quickly became an inspiring moment. Never in our wildest dreams would we have thought that simple devices, built to process payments, could transform into something so imaginative; turning signals into sound, history, and even humor. This wasn’t just a glitch or a cyberattack; it was a spark of brilliance, a reminder of how even the most mundane technology can surprise and inspire. The individual behind this is undeniably talented. Their ability to make machines in buses “talk” was not only a technical triumph but also a stroke of creative genius. Imagine if such systems could be repurposed to share educational messages, greetings, or even emergency updates. This innovative approach could redefine the way we see public infrastructure worldwide. And let’s be honest, was anyone really that upset? No. Some even appreciated the unexpected bonus of free rides. And when the Georgian and EU anthems started playing? That was a masterstroke, showing us the power of a small device to evoke pride and unity. This moment proved that technology, when combined with creativity, can open new doors. Whether it’s sharing important information or making someone smile during their daily commute, the possibilities are endless. This wasn’t just about hacked fare machines; it was about seeing potential where no one else had, and inspiring others to think differently.
Blog by Mariam Avakova
