UK publishes 5G conspiracy guide to quash misinformation

Considerable research has been carried out about the health impacts of radio waves, with the spectrum used by 5G networks considered to be well within safe limits for humans.

Nevertheless, the last few months have seen 5G conspiracies gain traction on social media platforms, including theories that the coronavirus epidemic could be linked to the new networks in some way.

The misinformation spread quickly and led to numerous accounts of people vandalising 5G masts over their concerns. YouTube was even forced to take action by cracking down on content that promoted the unsubstantiated claims.

Digital infrastructure minister Matt Warman and local government minister Simon Clarke have written to councils to promote a new guide which can be handed out to worried constituents in an effort to dispel the misleading theories taking hold on social media.

The information pamphlet, ‘5G Mobile Technology: A Guide’, explains how 5G works and states that watchdog Ofcom found the wave emission readings taken from the masts are “a small fraction” of the amount permitted by the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

The guide, published on Thursday and available online, says: “Companies have been rolling out 5G in the UK since 2019. However, some people have raised concerns that the introduction of 5G could affect people’s health and have even linked it to the coronavirus pandemic.

“These claims are completely unfounded and should not be used as a basis to block or delay 5G rollout.”

The Government is currently making efforts to rapidly expand the UK’s 5G networks in addition to full fibre broadband. In their letter to local authorities, Warman and Clarke called for more to be done to help find sites for masts and the installation of full fibre broadband.

Telecoms companies need to secure rights to install their infrastructure on public sector land and buildings but there are concerns some deals are not progressing quickly enough.

Philip Marnick, spectrum group director at Ofcom, said: “The UK has a great opportunity to be a world leader in 5G, making the most of the benefits this new technology offers people and businesses.

“It’s important that public bodies work together to address some of the myths and misinformation around 5G and that decisions are based on sound evidence.”

Labour shadow digital minister Chi Onwurah said legislation needed strengthening to properly protect against 5G misinformation: “We welcome the Government’s moves to tackle the dangerous misinformation about 5G and the coronavirus which is putting lives at risk.

“Sadly, this guidance will not solve the problem without the Government doing what is needed on the online harms bill to tackle misinformation on social media.”