The popular online video streaming platform YouTube recently said that it would delete contents that would connect 5G technology to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. Conspiracy theorists have groundlessly linked the emerging wireless network connectivity to the pandemic with some reports claiming that people in some countries, particularly in the UK, began torching 5G masts. According to a YouTube spokesperson, the platform would actively remove contents that breach its set policies.

YouTube Cracks Down 5G COVID-19 Contents

In a recent statement, YouTube said that it might allow other conspiracy-themed contents about 5G, but does not mention the COVID-19. However, these would be considered as a borderline content and could be suppressed it might no longer show on search results. According to YouTube, its policies are clear when it comes to restricting contents promoting "medically unsubstantiated methods prevent the COVID-19 in place of seeking medical treatment."

YouTube also said that it is committed to offering helpful information at this crucial time. It includes reducing the spread of harmful misinformation, raising authoritative content, and sharing info panels from WHO and NHS' data to fight misinformation.

A conspiracy theory claiming that the new generation wireless network connectivity 5G is linked to the COVID-19 recently spread on various social media outfits. Several unsavory incidents, which is somehow connected to this theory, happened in the UK lately. Telecommunications engineers were allegedly abused apart from at least seven 5G masts that were attacked.

Other Details About 5G COVID-19 Conspiracy Theory

Celebrities and media personalities like Woody Harrelson and Amanda Holden shared contents associating 5G to the COVID-19 on social media. This alarmed the UK Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove. He called the theories as "just nonsense - dangerous nonsense, as well."

Other tech companies and mobile operators recently released a joint statement about the 5G COVID-19 conspiracy theory. Telefonica's (TEF) O2, BT Group's (BTGOF) EE, Vodafone (VOD) and Three, owned by CK Hutchison Holdings (CKHUY) stated that claims that 5G is connected to the COVID-19 pandemic is baseless. The same sentiment is echoed by various government agencies and experts all over the world.

Other social media and internet platforms already made some measures to stop the spread of misinformation involving the COVID-19. Some already banned contents that report fake cures and treatments. If you make a quick search on Twitter, for instance, about 5G coronavirus, the top results would include false conspiracy theories with some having thousands of retweets.

It is important only to read news from reliable sources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spreading false information online is unsafe as it might put others lives in danger.