Telecommunications towers have become the target of attacks by groups of people who link the development of telecommunications technology (especially the new 5G standard being introduced) with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This conspiracy theory has its supporters who have already set fire to base stations in several countries. Such events took place, among others, in Great Britain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Radical reactions are unfounded, as confirmed by scientific research and statements of institutions responsible for technological and telecommunications development.

A few days ago, the Polish Chamber of Information Technology and Telecommunications denied rumors of the link between the 5G technology and the spread of the contagious disease, COVID-19. At the same time, the institution announced that with the help of the 5G technology, the world could deal with the epidemic threat much faster, for example by implementing solutions based on artificial intelligence, which would relieve healthcare workers.

Groups of people with a negative attitude towards the development of the 5G technology maintain that radio waves have a bad impact on health and immunity, and can be used as a surveillance tool. However, there is no evidence that devastation of telecommunications towers is directly linked to these concerns as the perpetrators have not yet been caught.

This conspiracy theory has spread rapidly in social media. Keri Hilson, an American singer with 4.2 million Twitter followers, sent several tweets last month trying to connect the coronavirus to 5G. In early April, actor Woody Harrelson followed suit by linking the 5G development to the virus.

Academic centres and institutions of public trust quickly denied the rumors and launched an information campaign.

Among the speakers was NHS Medical Director Michael Gove who said that he is “outraged and disgusted” by people who claim that 5G masts are the real cause of the coronavirus outbreak.

– This story about 5G has no credence scientifically and is certainly a potential distraction, as is other such misinformation, from controlling the COVID-19 epidemic – said dr Jonathan M. Samet, dean of the Colorado School of Public Health.

In response to widespread misinformation, social media and streaming services such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter will remove any posts that could potentially be misleading for the community.