British cabinet minister Michael Gove has denounced the rumours linking 5G to coronavirus as “dangerous nonsense,” as a wave of vandalism has seen mobile masts set alight across the UK.
You may have seen the claims circulating online. Scrolling social media recently reveals posts promoting the idea that 5G networks are responsible for COVID-19 — a claim that ignores basic science and the real-world context of wireless networks.
The suggestion that 5G causes viral illness overlooks that earlier generations of mobile technology — 3G and 4G — are already widespread, yet outbreaks like SARS and swine flu were driven by viruses, not radio networks. Electromagnetic frequencies far higher than those used in mobile communications, such as ultraviolet and X-rays, can damage DNA at high doses; that is a different phenomenon and does not create or spread viruses.
During the rollouts of 3G and 4G there were occasional conspiracy claims, but the current spread of misinformation around 5G has been amplified by endorsements from celebrities and by social media sharing. Unlike many harmless conspiracies, this one has real-world consequences: it has encouraged arson, harassment and threats against telecom workers, and threatened vital communications infrastructure.
“Not only are these claims baseless, they are harmful for the people and businesses that rely on the continuity of our services,” said EE, O2, Three and Vodafone in a joint statement. “They have also led to the abuse of our engineers and, in some cases, prevented essential network maintenance taking place.”
Videos have appeared online showing mobile towers being burned, and some users even compile lists of affected locations. At a time when many people depend on mobile networks to stay in touch, reduce isolation and contact emergency services, attacks on infrastructure endanger public safety.
Professor Stephen Powis, national medical director of the NHS, called the 5G claims “complete and utter rubbish,” describing them as “the worst kind of fake news.” He emphasised that mobile networks are critical to the public — especially while the government asks people to stay at home — and that these networks are used by emergency services and health workers. “I’m absolutely outraged, absolutely disgusted, that people would be taking action against the very infrastructure that we need to respond to this health emergency,” he said.
Those spreading the conspiracy theories tend to dismiss scientific evidence, but regulators and independent bodies have assessed the issue. Ofcom’s measurements show that electromagnetic field (EMF) levels from 5G-enabled base stations are a small fraction of the safety limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). In Ofcom’s words, the highest measured level was approximately 1.5% of the relevant guideline level.
Last week, Ofcom warned media outlets that publishing or promoting the 5G/COVID-19 conspiracy could lead to sanctions. The UK government and the EU have also opened discussions with major social networks to encourage action against harmful content that promotes these false links.
I personally encountered a video showing a mobile mast burning and reported it to the platform; the response I received raised concerns about how some services are handling reports of dangerous content. In contrast, YouTube has stated it will remove videos that falsely link COVID-19 to 5G.
The mobile industry body GSMA urged a united response against misinformation and the attacks it incites. In a statement the GSMA said: “We must unite in the global fight against COVID-19 and combat the fake news and violent actions linking 5G communications technology to the spread of the virus. This disinformation campaign is inciting fear, aggression, and vandalism against the critical infrastructure and essential maintenance workers who are keeping our public services connected, as well as our economy running.” The GSMA called on online platforms to step up efforts to remove false claims and urged governments to take action against disinformation and threats toward engineers and technicians.
In the UK alone, at least seven mobile towers were reported set on fire in a single week, with four of those incidents occurring within a 24-hour period. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport tweeted that it had received several reports of criminal damage and abuse of telecoms engineers apparently inspired by “crackpot conspiracy theories,” and warned that those responsible will face the full force of the law.
Note: While healthy debate is welcome, comments endorsing vandalism or unsubstantiated conspiracy theories will not be approved.
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