In Case You Missed It: Digital billboard is both creepy and cool

British Airways has put up some electronic billboards that are freaking people out.

Some in a creepy, big brother sort of way. Others in a fascinating, isn’t technology awesome sort of way.

The video shows a digital billboard at Piccadilly Circus in London (there’s also one in Chiswick) and as a real plane flies into view a little boy, sitting in the billboard, stands up, points up at the plane. Then behind him reads, “Look, it’s flight BA475 from Barcelona.”

OK, maybe it’s black magic.

Actually, it’s some custom-built surveillance technology that tracks nearby British Airways flights, then uses the flight details to trigger the message on the billboard. It is part of British Airways’ #lookup promotion and it is pretty amazing, creepy or not.

“We hope it will create a real ‘wow’ and people will be reminded how amazing flying is and how accessible the world can be,” BA marketing head Abigail Comber told The Drum.

Mission accomplished. I just hope drivers aren’t too “wowed,” otherwise they might be taking a trip to an undesirable destination.