World

5G Virus Conspiracy Theory Fueled by Coordinated Effort

Researchers identify disinformation campaign but not source
‘You can’t get the virus off a phone mast,’ one scientist says

A fire-damaged telecom tower in Birmingham, U.K., on April 6.Photographer: Darren Staples/Bloomberg

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Ryan Gallagher

April 9, 2020 at 11:04 AM UTC

Updated on

April 10, 2020 at 3:47 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Sign up here for our daily coronavirus newsletter on what you need to know, and subscribe to our Covid-19 podcast for the latest news and analysis.

A conspiracy theory linking 5G technology to the outbreak of the coronavirus is quickly gaining momentum, with celebrities including actor Woody Harrelson promoting the idea. But the theory is also getting a boost from what some researchers say is a coordinated disinformation campaign.