Authorities have confirmed that a formal investigation is under way into the global broadcast known as the “Safe Skyscraper” climb, after digital forensic specialists identified irregularities in the live transmission that was viewed by millions worldwide.

According to investigators, recovered audio from the original broadcast contains faint mechanical sounds and partially obscured voices that do not appear to match the climber’s position or movements at the time. Specialists say the sounds were subtle and could easily have gone unnoticed by viewers during the live stream.

The findings have raised questions about whether the feed may have been altered or delayed in real time, potentially preventing audiences and production staff from seeing what was actually happening on the side of the building.

Images showing climber Alex Honnold navigating the building’s distinctive circular exterior structures are now being treated as part of the evidentiary record. Investigators have also confirmed that engineers are examining sections of the facade close to the route used during the ascent, following preliminary indications of possible structural interference.

Officials would not confirm the nature of any suspected interference, but said the case has been escalated due to the scale of the broadcast and the potential safety risks involved.

One source familiar with the inquiry said the implications could be significant if the anomalies are verified, particularly if the climb was used to divert attention from other activity connected to the building.