Coronavirus disinformation tweets are being removed by Twitter where they are considered ‘harmful,’ says the social network …
The company is trying to find a balance between free expression and tweets which could do harm, and told TechCrunch that it will not act on all tweets with sketchy claims.
The @TwitterSafety account specifically called out tweets citing an absurd conspiracy theory blaming 5G for the coronavirus.
We have broadened our guidance on unverified claims that incite people to engage in harmful activity, could lead to the destruction or damage of critical 5G infrastructure, or could lead to widespread panic, social unrest, or large-scale disorder.
— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) April 22, 2020
The BBC recently reported that at least three masts have been set on fire by conspiracy nuts.
Twitter said it implemented its new policy on coronavirus disinformation on March 18 and has removed more than 2,000 tweets as a result.
A video, allegedly of the blaze in Aigburth, was shared on YouTube and Facebook, claiming a link between the mobile technology and Covid-19 […]
Merseyside Police said an investigation is under way after the telecommunications box in Aigburth caught fire on Friday. A video of what appears to be the incident, which happened shortly after 22:00 BST, was shared on YouTube […]
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said it is also investigating a blaze it extinguished at a 5G mast in the village of Melling, north of Liverpool, on Friday night.
West Midlands Fire Service said the fire in Birmingham involved a 70ft tower on a telecommunications site.
