5G is a form of mobile internet which utilises high levels of the electromagnetic spectrum and poses no known risk to human health.
It is becoming widely integrated in telecommunications and offers ultra-fast mobile internet.
But the form of wireless communication is called non-ionising, meaning it can not damage DNA or bodily tissues.
Many phones are now 5G compatible, as are other electronic devices.
5G is also being lined up for use in self-driving cars and other forms of instantaneous communication while on the move.
Around a year ago, nonsensical claims emerged online claiming 5G was hazardous to health.
A cult following of misinformed individuals developed and they propagated false theories about its danger to human health.
5G is a form of mobile internet which utilises high levels of the electromagnetic spectrum and poses no known risk to human health
They were largely restricted to dark corners of the web, such as the content produced by conspiracy theorist David Icke.
But since the coronavirus pandemic, such beliefs have become more mainstream.
A deluded view that 5G, a form of wireless communication, causes COVID-19 (a virus not affected by wireless communication) spread like wildfire on social media.
This caught traction, and resulted in dozens of attacks on phone masts. It is believed the vandals were targeting 5G masts, but some were unable to tell the difference between a 5G mast and a 4G mast.
Social media companies, industry bodies, health experts, radiation experts and fact-checking organisations have been forced to put out damning statements reiterating the fact there is not a single shred of reputable evidence linking 5G to coronavirus.
Or, for that matter, linking 5G to and health concerns.
But, despite the best efforts of those in the know, the claims are still circulating online.
There are two main theories: one falsely suggests 5G suppresses the immune system while the other falsely claims the virus is somehow using the network’s radio waves to communicate and pick victims, accelerating its spread.
The conspiracy theorist flames were fanned by celebrity Amanda Holden when she tweeted a link to a petition about the COVID-19/5G theory.
David Icke was put on camera by London Live and allowed to spew his views, which are factually incorrect, and the broadcaster was reprimanded by OFCOM, saying it ‘had the potential to cause significant harm to viewers’.
Eamonn Holmes also appeared to air sympathies with the theories on This Morning, when he offered an emotional defence of the belief.
He was forced to backtrack amid outrage. OFCOM also ‘issued guidance’ to ITV following Mr Holmes’ comments.