5g of lies
What are the 5G conspiracy theories and which countries have the network?
Kevin Adjei-Darko
THE introduction of the 5G network has brought on a host of conspiracy chatter.
One of the most persistent of such theories is that 5G networks, gradually being rolled out across the world, is the cause of the coronavirus.
Conspiracy theorists have claimed that there's a link between 5G networks and the outbreak of coronavirusCredit: Getty - Contributor
What are the 5G conspiracies?
Shortly after coronavirus gripped the world, videos and audio began spreading on several platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp with claims that the introduction of 5G networks across the globe is the cause of the disease, which has infected over 81 million people worldwide and killed over 1.7 million.
These unfounded claims suggested that the most powerful people in the world are behind a cover-up to spread the virus across the world.
The next allocations of frequencies for 5G should not be done without prior assessment of its impact on the environment, recommends the High Council for the Climate on Decmber 19, 2020Credit: Getty - Contributor
It is falsely claimed that 5G towers emit radiation that attacks the immune system, causing them to weaken, making it easier for people to contract Covid-19.
China reported its first case of coronavirus in 2019, which actually began in a wet market in Wuhan - the same year 5G networks became more prominent around the world.
This is thought to have been the reason conspiracy theorists decided there was a link between the two.
Also, maps began to surface claiming to show that the spread of coronavirus was higher in areas where 5G networks had been adopted.
These maps showed areas with larger populations, which are more susceptible to the spread of coronavirus.
Other theories have gone as far as to suggest the new £20 banknotes reveal symbols that suggest 5G networks are the cause of coronavirus.
Theorists believe the round purple foil patch is the symbol of coronavirus while the tower on the note, which is actually Margate Lighthouse, is a 5G tower giving off radiation
Although health concerns have been raised concerning 5G networks, the connection to coronavirus is unfounded.
The World Health Organisation has debunked the 5G claims, saying: "Viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks.
"Covid-19 is spreading in many countries that do not have 5G mobile networks."
Despite this, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other platforms have had to take action to limit the spread of misinformation on coronavirus following attacks on mobile network towers in Britain, while Huawei has urged Britain not to go back on 5G plans.
Security concerns
Some conspiracists claim that the new 5G network makes users more susceptible to hacking.
"5G isn't necessarily easier to hack than its predecessors, but it will connect many more devices, so protection from malign actors becomes a larger concern," writes the Washington Post.
2019 attendees wait in line for a 5G exhibition at the Qualcomm booth during CES 2019 consumer electronics show, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.Credit: AFP or licensors
Donald Trump says that Huawei's 5G represents a national threat to security, without necessarily specifying how. The President claimed it is connected to the Chinese government.
Which countries have the 5G network?
Several countries are adopting the 5G mobile networks, which has been hailed as an advancement in wireless technology.
Under 5G, there will be a higher bandwidth and faster speeds, and a vast improvement on 4G networks.
People walk past the stand of Huawei featuring 5G technology during the PT Expo China at Beijing National Convention Center on September 26, 2018Credit: Getty - Contributor
Several countries across the world have already adopted 5G networks with more to follow suit in the coming years.
The countries said to be the leading the 5G innovation include the UK, US, China, Germany, France, South Korea, and Japan.
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Which celebrities have backed the 5G conspiracy theories?
Several celebrities and influencers have lent their voices to the spread of the misinformation surrounding coronavirus' spread and 5G networks.
This Morning host Eamon Holmes defended the claims saying: "What I don't accept is mainstream media immediately slapping that down as not true when they don't know it's not true."
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Boxer Amir Khan also posted a video saying coronavirus is 'man-made' in order to test 5G.
Ex-footballer David Icke has also said 5G is to blame for the spread of the disease.
Other celebrities who have bought into the theory include actor Woody Harrelson and singer MIA.
Eamonn Holmes defends wild conspiracy theory 5G causes coronavirus