UK Cell Towers Burn as False 5G Coronavirus Conspiracy Spreads
Attackers set fire to multiple cell towers in the U.K. and harass telecom workers due to baseless online theories linking 5G networks to the coronavirus pandemic.
Multiple cell towers in the U.K. suffer arson attacks and telecom engineers face harassment as baseless conspiracy theories falsely link 5G technology to the coronavirus pandemic. Carriers like Vodafone and EE report significant damage to their mobile masts, with one destroyed tower in Birmingham providing vital connectivity to thousands of residents. The targeted sites often do not even house 5G equipment, proving the attacks rely on misguided information rather than technical facts.
Social media platforms see a massive flood of posts claiming the virus originates from 5G networks, with some theories pointing to the early rollout of the technology in Wuhan, China. Celebrities, including Amanda Holden and Woody Harrelson, draw heavy criticism for amplifying these unfounded claims to their large followings. One viral video even shows a woman confronting fiber-optic workers and accusing the technology of killing people.
Government officials and medical experts strongly condemn the rumors, with British minister Michael Gove calling the theories "dangerous nonsense." Fact-checking organizations highlight that the conspiracy falls apart under scrutiny, noting that countries like Iran experience severe coronavirus outbreaks without any 5G infrastructure. Authorities urge the public to stop the vandalism, emphasizing that destroying cell towers removes essential communication networks during a critical health crisis.