Several mobile phone giants have teamed up to issue a statement denouncing the people vandalising 5G masts over bizarre claims they are linked to the coronavirus outbreak.
Conspiracy theories have been shared online leading to acts of vandalism.
They've been denounced by Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee chairman Julian Knight who said: "To hear that crackpot theories are leading to people attacking phone masts or threatening telecom workers is sickening and it’s clearly time to act.
"We’ve called on the Government to work with social media companies to stamp out deliberate attempts to spread fear about Covid-19 and it is right that they are being called to account for allowing disinformation on their platforms.”
Today, Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three UK teamed up to issue a statement that appeared as a sponsored post on Facebook.
The statement said: "Our networks provide essential connectivity to our emergency services and the NHS: they enable families to check in on their isolated or vulnerable loved ones; parents to teach their children from home; and millions to be informed and entertained as they stay home.
"We are 100% focused on making sure the UK’s mobile and broadband networks are resilient, ensuring you, your families and businesses, can keep connected when you need it most.
"Sadly, we have experienced cases of vandals setting fire to mobile masts, disrupting critical infrastructure and spreading false information suggesting a connection between 5G and the COVID-1 9 pandemIc. There is no scientific evidence of any link between 5G and coronavirus. Fact.
"Stopping this is critical to keeping your communities connected. Not only are these claims baseless, they are harmful for the people and businesses that rely on the continuity of our services. They have also led to the abuse of our engineers and, in some cases, prevented essential network maintenance taking place.
"Please help us to make this stop. If you witness abuse of our key workers please report it. If you see misinformation, please calL it out. Your help will make a real difference. Thank you for your support as we work together to keep our nation connected."
