Twitter has announced it will start blocking unverified claims, specifically those involving 5G conspiracy theories.
In one of the strangest side-effects of the coronavirus pandemic, conspiracy theories have been spreading claiming that 5G cell towers are somehow responsible for the virus. To make matters worse, as the theories have been making their rounds on social media, people have started destroying the towers.
Phone and internet connectivity has been one of the bright spots during the coronavirus pandemic, providing a way for people to stay connected to their work, friends and family. As a result, when people buy into these conspiracy theories, they end up doing far more harm than just destruction of equipment.
Thankfully, Twitter is taking action to try to stop this kind of irresponsible behavior.
We have broadened our guidance on unverified claims that incite people to engage in harmful activity, could lead to the destruction or damage of critical 5G infrastructure, or could lead to widespread panic, social unrest, or large-scale disorder.
— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) 4/22/20
Hopefully 5G towers will be a little safer now.