How MI6 Predicted in 2008 That Conspiracy Theories Would Eventually Catch On and Destabilise Democracies
Conspiracy theories are not a new phenomenon, but they have become more widespread and influential in recent years, thanks to social media, political polarisation, and global crises. Some conspiracy theories are harmless or even amusing, but others can have serious consequences for democracy, security, and public health. One of the most prominent examples of a dangerous conspiracy theory is the claim that the coronavirus was engineered in a Chinese laboratory and deliberately released as a bioweapon. This theory was endorsed by Sir Richard Dearlove, a former head of MI6, who said he had seen an "important" scientific report that supported this idea¹. However, his claim was dismissed as "spurious" by Whitehall sources and experts, who said there was no evidence to support it¹. The coronavirus conspiracy theory is not only false, but also harmful. It fuels anti-Chinese sentiment, undermines trust in science and authorities, and distracts from the real causes and solut...