YouTube limits the spread of false 5G virus theory
YouTube has made it clear that it will reduce the number of recommended videos for users on its platform that publish false claims that 5G technology is linked to the new Corona virus, the Guardian reported, after recording four more attacks on phone towers within 24 hours.
It added that it would actively remove videos that violate its policies, but would allow other content related to the 5G plot without mentioning the new Corona virus to remain within the site, so that these videos could lose ad revenue and prevent and remove search results.
At least seven cell towers were burned last week in the UK after online conspiracy theories inaccurately claimed a link between cell towers and the Coronavirus epidemic, and one of the burning towers was not a 5G network tower.
A YouTube spokesman told the Guardian: "We have clear policies prohibiting videos that promote non-medically proven methods of preventing the new CORONA virus instead of seeking medical treatment, and quickly remove videos that violate these policies when they are reported."
The spokesman added that the platform had begun to downplay its recommendations on certain content, such as conspiracy theories related to 5G networks and the Corona virus, which could mislead users in harmful ways.
Vodafone said the attacks targeted two cell towers of its towers, as well as two cell towers shared with O2, and three other cell towers were burned last week.
British professional boxer Amir Khan became the latest celebrity to share the theory in a series of Instagram videos, and the theory, described by Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove as dangerous nonsense, was promoted by Woody Harrelson and Amanda Holden.
Mats Granryd, General Manager of GSMA, the global telecommunications industry body, said in a statement: "The telecommunications industry is working around the clock to maintain vital health, education and emergency services, as businesses continue to operate and friends and families stay in touch."
"We regret that the critical communications infrastructure is being attacked on the basis of outright lies, and we urge everyone to trust the health authorities and make sure that communications technology is safe, and there is no link between 5G and the CORONA virus," he said.
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