The Corona virus outbreak has been accompanied by conspiracy theories since the beginning. Recently, the hoax that 5G wireless technology allegedly caused Covid-19 has gained traction both in social media and in real life, with people attacking cell phone towers. Where does this kind of disinformation come from? According to a new report published on Tuesday by big data analytic firm Graphika, it is predominantly the far right that pushes false narratives about the SARS-CoV-2 corona virus. Analyzing networks of social media interactions, the report uncovers the initial dominance of “large ‘mega cluster’ of US right-wing accounts” that become relatively less prominent in the networks as the conversation about the virus becomes more mainstream. The report also finds that, globally, “not only that more right-wing accounts are involved in the conversation but that these accounts are also more active in their engagement than their left-wing counterparts”. The far right in Italy and France, for example, has used false stories about the virus to push their anti-immigrant agenda. In all networks, there is a “a high proportion of conspiracy-focused content” that aligns with older conspiracy theory about population control. In addition, “pro-Kremlin voices in various geographies” have used dis-information about the virus to stoke geopolitical tensions and undermine trust in multilateral institutions like the WHO.

Conspiracy theories and disinformation campaigns on social media have real world consequences. In the US., so-called anti-lockdown protests have brought thousands to the streets, aligning with older culture war topics like gun control and abortion. In Germany, fringe protesters from both the left and the right took to the streets in Berlin last Sunday to push conspiracy theories, claiming that the German government is now ruling by decree, invoking Hitler’s abuse of emergency powers throughout the Nazi dictatorship.

Together with the economic consequences of the Coronavirus outbreak, these activities, online and in real life, could strengthen far right populism further. While for now these anti-system forces could not capitalize on the crisis, the effect may not last once the crisis abates.