The misinformation virus

By Henry Taylor, Executive

Covid-19 is not the only dangerous phenomenon sweeping around the world. The outbreak has been accompanied by a vast array of false information and fake news, some of which has been genuinely harmful to efforts to tackle the disease.

Bizarre false theories from the questionable-sounding to the ridiculous have spread online, with claims circulating that Covid-19 can be treated by substances ranging from vodka to cow urine to liquid silver.

One particular theory that has gained momentum in recent weeks claims that the virus is caused by – or exacerbated by – the development of 5G mobile data networks. Like those mentioned above, the theory is false. However, this has not stopped some of its proponents from taking drastic – and sometimes dangerous – action.

Over the Easter weekend, there was a series of arson attacks on telecoms masts in the UK, including one that provided internet access to a temporary hospital set up in Birmingham to treat Covid-19 patients.

While the 5G theory began on social networks, the arson attacks have forced the mainstream media to take note. This has not been handled well in all cases. ITV presenter Eamonn Holmes is now being investigated by Ofcom over comments made to an audience of millions on This Morning, in which he criticised media outlets for dismissing the theory as untrue.

Across the board, the public health implications of the crisis have forced media outlets to consider their responsibility to their audiences. Many have reasserted their role as providers of information, renewing their focus on hard news. Unlike previous cases of fake news that have been focused on politics, the media response is also notable for its lack of partisanship. Across the political spectrum of national newspapers, there is a broad consensus of the importance of following expert advice on the virus.

Some outlets have stepped up their fact-checking operations, directly debunking misinformation about the pandemic. Even social media networks, often criticised in the past for their handling of fake news, have stepped up. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have gone as far as to remove posts from world leaders when they have shared false information about Covid-19. It is easy to see how false information spreads quickly during times like this. Bombarded with information from all angles, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Combine this with a rapidly changing situation that has left even reputable bodies rushing to establish the facts, and the potential for misinformation is clear. However, with a shift from opinion towards hard news, many media outlets are playing their part in keeping the public informed at a time when the consequences of failing to do so are more severe than ever before.