Debunking the Conspiracy Theory Linking 5G to the Spread of COVID-19 around the World

Through my reading of the digital revolution, I have understood that any time a crisis occurred conspiracy theorists always fight to steal confidential information digitally and provide misinformation to take advantage of the fears and panic of the people, especially the illiterate.

History also told us that COVID-19 is a threat to humanity and the first pandemic in human history where information Technology and social media are being used on a massive scale to help cope with and respond to the disease but conspirators will not prevail. In this abnormal time, we will only promote facts and science over despair and division.

Why surfing on the Information superhighway, I came across a conspiracy theorist David Icke interview proffering misinformation linking technology to pandemic and the interview was watched by about 65,000 people as it was streamed. This disinformation is causing trouble and people around the world are burning and attacking 5G towers globally.

Firstly, people may be thinking what is 5G? 5G means 5th Generation Mobile Technology. In addition, in this 21 century, majority of mobile telecommunications set-ups are currently running on 4G (4th Generation LTE and high-speed mobile internet). Yesteryears, we have had 3G (voice and mobile data) and 2G (digital voice) and 1G (analog voice) and presently the world is transcending to 5G because it is indeed superfast with massive capacity, and more uniform user experience than 2G,3G and 4G. Moreover, In the future 5 Generation of computing will change the way we communicate, entertain, shop, and generally live our lives on the internet globally and we need to embrace it instead of listening to conspirators who are against the Digital revolution.

During the dangerous interview of conspirators David Icke, he referred to two theories that supported his claim linking 5G to the spread of COVID-19. Firstly, he said 5G might suppress the immune system and, secondly, that viruses can communicate through radio waves which very deceptive without any scientific basis.

These theories are not backed up by evidence and surprisingly the new coronavirus is also affecting countries and regions where no 5G is currently present.

I am wondering what is David Icke argument?

In fact, a prominent international Tech entity which is the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) debunk the false association between the two theories and called for social media companies to do more to stop the dissemination of misinformation on their platforms.
To be categorically clear, COVID-19 can only spread through physical contact, not radio waves. To improve the speed and capacity of our wireless technology, 5G uses a higher frequency of radio waves compared to 4G, 3G, and 2G.

It is very clear that the past generations of wireless network technology (4G, 3G and 2G), 5G mobile data is transmitted over radio waves. Other types of technology that use radio waves include smart meters, TV and radio transmitters, and radar and satellite communications.

Most modern medical laboratory equipment use radio waves, some use nuclear radiation, but they are used within the guidelines.
Conspirator is linking 5G to the Spread of COVID-19 globally but COVID -19 is spreading in places without 5G networks. There are many parts of the Africa that do not have 5G coverage yet, but are still affected by the virus (for example, Liberia). There are no 5G networks at all in Iran, yet this country has been severely affected by Covid-19 and the sixth-highest number of reported Covid-19 cases and fourth-highest number of deaths of 177 countries and regions in the world.
We must not forget that Since 5G came into reality, United States is not particularly pleased that China beat her to the race for 5G, the reason Huawei Technologies has suffered tremendous (apologies to President Donald Trump) persecution in the hands of the US government.

Conclusion

Finally, we need to remember that Information Technology is vital to our economy, health, and safety and we will continue to leverage these technologies to help defeat COVID-19 and make us safer, stronger, and more connected.
To conclude, Stay home, wash your hands regularly, and always sanitise your hands, keep a good social distance, self-isolate and call emergency number when symptoms show.
I rest my pen!

Feel free to leave your comments.

About the Author
Foldestine Paye is Microsoft Technology Associate and President of the Liberia Information Technology Student Union (LITSU). Moreover, he is a digital evangelist, activist academician, author, columnist, with knowledge involved in cyber security fundamental, Networking and software Engineering. In addition he’s graduating student of BlueCrest University. You can contact him on 0775751153/ foldestinepay@gmail.com.