At least three 5G wireless communication towers have been set on fire in three British cities, according to the BBC — as discredited conspiracy theories spread on social media claiming there’s a link between the technology and the coronavirus outbreak.
UK cabinet office minister Michael Gove called the conspiracy theories “nonsense, dangerous nonsense as well” during a government briefing, as quoted by the BBC.
Towering Fury
According to videos uploaded to social media, workers putting up 5G infrastructure were even getting harassed by conspiracy nuts on the streets. In Birmingham, a tower not even capable of providing 5G services was still set on fire, The Verge reports.
This is the consequence of those bonkers Facebook conspiracy theories about 5G. Key workers getting harassed on the street. pic.twitter.com/5z35r6sabp
— Charlie Haynes (@charliehtweets) April 2, 2020
“This is now a matter of national security,” Vodafone UK CEO Nick Jeffery wrote in a statement. “Police and counter terrorism authorities are investigating.”
