Facebook has stated that it’s been taking steps to stop false claims linking the coronavirus to 5G technology. However, numerous businesses on Facebook are spreading that conspiracy theory to promote products that supposedly protect users from 5G.
5G is the fifth generation of mobile technology that’s being rolled out across the world. In a report on 5G coronavirus conspiracy theories, the BBC wrote that “scientists say the idea of a connection between Covid-19 and 5G is ‘complete rubbish’ and biologically impossible.”
That fact hasn’t stopped people from falsely claiming that 5G technology can either transmit the virus to them or make people more susceptible to catching it. The New York Times noted that the conspiracy theory has been gaining “momentum in Facebook groups, WhatsApp messages and YouTube videos.” In Britain, there have been numerous incidents of arson and vandalism against 5G towers and telecom technicians have been harassed.
Outlets (including Media Matters) have documented problems with coronavirus misinformation on Facebook, including posts linking the virus to 5G. The company stated in early April: “Under our existing policies against harmful misinformation, we are starting to remove false claims which link COVID-19 to 5G technology and could lead to physical harm. We will continue to work closely with governments and other tech companies to remove harmful misinformation and have partnered with health authorities like the WHO and NHS to connect people to the latest official guidance.”
But as Media Matters similarly found with businesses on Facebook pushing fake coronavirus treatments and cures, the company’s efforts to remove such harmful misinformation aren’t complete. Here are five examples of businesses that are selling supposed 5G protection products by linking the technology to the coronavirus.
Update (5/7/20): Following the publication of this article, several of the Facebook posts mentioned are no longer available. The removed posts are noted below.
BioElectric Shield Co.
BioElectric Shield Co. is a Montana-based company that sells “EMF & personal energy protection products.” Its Facebook page promotes its products with the hashtags “coronavirus,” “covid,” and “5gnetwork.” It also promotes a post on its site claiming that 5G may weaken a person’s immune system and leave them more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 and, as a result, people should consider buying its products.
Update (5/7/20): The Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to BioElectric Shield Co. stating that the company has been “unlawfully advertising that certain products prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).” The letter was sent on April 27 -- before the publication of this article -- and was announced by the FTC on May 7.
Note: The following post is no longer available.
Note: The following post is no longer available.
Cell Phone Radiation Limited
Cell Phone Radiation Limited is an English business that sells “EMF protective” products in the U.K. and in the United States. Its Facebook page linked to a coronavirus story about YouTube tightening its rules regarding 5G conspiracy theories and wrote: “It is crystal clear that the government are hiding the truth behind 5G. It can't be good news... protect your family with EMF Window Film.”
Hedron Life Source
Hedron Life Source is a Wisconsin-based company that sells EMF “protection” products. Its Facebook page wrote “5G rollouts ---> Emergence of COVID-19 ----- Coincidence?” and linked to a Hedron newsletter which further pushed a link between 5G and the coronavirus. The newsletter also promoted a batch of its products.
Orgone Knights
Orgone Knights is an Arizona-based shop that sells pyramids, plates, and discs made of “metal shavings, resin, and crystals” that supposedly protect people from 5G radiation. Its Facebook page promoted its pyramids by writing: “The compiling evidence that 5G radiation is contributing to the problems we are facing as a planet is growing. Considering the places that have banned 5G have the lowest rates of the virus, it makes sense that there is a Possible correlation.” The post included the hashtag “5GCovid19.”
Note: The following post is no longer available.
Wave-Guard
Wave-Guard is a Washington-based website that claims to sell “your best defense against wireless EMF / ELF radiation of all forms.” Its Facebook page promoted its site by falsely stating: “Is there a link between 5G and COVID-19? An increasing number of scientists and researchers say ‘yes.’”
Note: The following post is no longer available.
