Unconfirmed rumours of a three-month global internet shutdown spread on social media

Conspiracy narrative about a network shutdown

A new wave of conspiracy theories is being actively discussed on social media. The central motif is the claim that a global internet shutdown will occur on 17 November. According to the circulating scenarios, the event is supposed to last three months.

The authors of such publications claim that on the specified date, the largest banking institutions will become the target of large-scale cyberattacks. In their opinion, the consequence will be the destruction of databases and the zeroing out of funds in the accounts of millions of users.

Source of information and recommendations

As a basis for their predictions, one of the post authors cites an anonymous informant from the darknet. However, he himself admits that the information received has no confirmation whatsoever. According to the published scenario, after a series of attacks, the systems are allegedly to be rebuilt using artificial intelligence.

Users who have believed these rumours are advised to stock up on strategic resources in advance: food, drinking water, cash, precious metals (gold and silver), as well as firearms and ammunition. Meanwhile, no specific evidence of the preparation of such measures or the existence of plans for a global network shutdown is provided in the publications.

Lack of factual basis

The text of the circulating post also features mentions of “COVID 2.0”, the Great Depression, World War III, and the possible use of nuclear weapons. All of this is presented as a prerequisite for the need for emergency preparation for global upheavals.

However, an analysis of the publication indicates a complete absence of verified facts. Claims about the date of 17 November and the three-month internet shutdown are based solely on the words of an anonymous source, which makes this information unconfirmed.