Even after more than 2 years living with the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems that there are still a lot of misinformation and myths about the virus that people worldwide still believe in. One of the most ludicrous conspiracy theories about Covid-19 that some people still believe in is that 5G networks causes the spread of the virus.
Sadly, many still believe in this conspiracy theory to the point that authorities have to take action and release statements to debunk it. India recently did just that, whereby a statement by the nation’s Department of Telecommunications decries ‘several misleading messages’ circulating on various social media platforms claiming that ‘the second wave of coronavirus has been caused by the testing of 5G mobile towers’.
In the statement, the Department not only stressed that the very notion of 5G networks causing Covid-19 as absolute nonsense but also points out that India only approved 5G trials in 4 May 2021 with the network testings only commencing after a few months. That’s right, 5G networks couldn’t possibly cause Covid-19 cases to spike in India because they don’t even have 5G networks operational in the country.
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Speaking of misinformation regarding the pandemic, The Register reported that the Indian government has introduced new Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code which allows them to order content takedowns and require internet service providers to identify the identity of users. Furthermore, the Indian government has also ordered several social media accounts to be taken down because they have been spreading misinformation.
What do you guys think of the move made by the Indian government? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: Citizens In India Are Bathing In Cow Dung & Urine To Boost Immunity Against Covid-19
