British telecoms regulator Ofcom has reiterated that 5G is safe after a series of attacks on engineers and mobile masts.
Conspiracy theories claiming that the COVID-19 coronavirus is caused by 5G have been widely shared on social media. You may have seen such posts, some amplified by public figures. These messages have encouraged people to damage or set fire to mobile masts, and some groups have even created informal “scoreboards” tracking incidents between towns and cities.
Many of the structures targeted are not even 5G installations. The misinformation fueling these attacks is unsupported by evidence. While we know that ionising radiation at much higher frequencies — such as ultraviolet and X-rays — can damage DNA, those types of radiation are far above the frequencies used by mobile networks and do not cause viral infections.
Conspiracy theories often ignore scientific findings and official guidance, so Ofcom has issued a clear statement to address the situation:
“There have been reports of 5G masts in some areas of the UK being vandalised and of telecoms engineers being harassed by members of the public.
This is because some people incorrectly blame 5G for being linked to the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).
We would like to emphasise that there is no relationship whatsoever between 5G mobile signals and the coronavirus.
Vandalism to mobile phone masts means other services using those masts stop working. These services could include 3G, 4G and mobile call services. This means people can’t call the emergency services or contact their family. It could also mean that some of the communications equipment used by the emergency services is unable to work properly.
This poses a serious threat to people’s safety.”
Ofcom notes that its testing and monitoring of mobile radio frequencies have taken place for many years. The regulator publishes measurements of electromagnetic fields (EMF) in cities where 5G is live, demonstrating exposure levels are within internationally recognised limits.
While 5G technology does not pose a health risk, the vandalism driven by false claims does present a real danger. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reliable mobile networks are essential for people to access emergency services, stay in touch with loved ones and receive vital information.
Ofcom and the UK government have engaged with major social networks to encourage them to tackle 5G conspiracy content. In one recent case, a video showing a mast being burned was reported to a social platform; the company reviewed the clip and determined it did not breach their community standards, so it remained available.
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