Twitter is set to begin a clampdown on “unverified claims” that could incite the destruction of essential infrastructure or stir up a wave of panic.
The company decided to make some amendments in its policies following a series of attacks on mobile phone towers in the UK, fuelled by the spread of false conspiracy theories on social media.
Twitter clarified it would not pull down 5G and coronavirus misinformation but would weed off direct incitement to action.
It also said that tweets that could cause “widespread panic” will also be removed.
Twitter gave two examples of tweets that would violate its new policy:
- “5G causes coronavirus! Go destroy the cell towers in your neighbourhood!”
- “The National Guard just announced that no more shipments of food will be arriving for two months! Run to the grocery store and buy everything.”
Scientists have since debunked the theory that there is a connection between COVID-19 and 5G. They have it “complete rubbish” and stated that it is biologically impossible.
NHS England medical director Stephen Powis has branded the conspiracy theories “the worst kind of fake news.”
