Facebook blocked 5G conspiracy groups with thousands of members after users celebrated the destruction of phone masts

Facebook blocked two anti-5G groups over the weekend after members encouraged the destruction of mobile phone masts in breach of the network's policies on promoting violence. Group members also promoted misinformation linking 5G to the coronavirus outbreak. The "Stop 5G Group" had racked up around 60,000 members, and originally began as a fringe group with concerns about the rollout of faster mobile connectivity. Another group, "Destroy 5G Save Our Children," had more than 2,500 members and was also removed. Research published on Monday by anti-hate group Hope Not Hate highlighted posts on both groups encouraging the destruction of phone masts.