FACT CHECK: Does This Video Show WEF Chairman Confirming Devastating Cyber Attack?
A video shared on Instagram purports that World Economic Forum (WEF) chairman Klaus Schwab confirmed an imminent cyber attack.
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Verdict: Misleading
The video was taken out of context. Schwab was speaking on the importance of cyber security, not alluding to a future planned cyberattack.
Fact Check:
U.S. lawmakers met with leaders of the WEF in Switzerland for a private luncheon to discuss America’s energy and relationship with Ukraine, CNBC News reported. Multiple world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, are absent for the meeting in Davos, according to Peoples Gazette.
The Instagram video claims that photos of Schwab have announced a specific cyber attack is to take place soon. The video opens with Schwab addressing the camera before a montage of clips play. “These people need to be arrested and tried in international crimes courts,” the caption reads. (RELATED: Is This An Actual Image of Joe Biden’s Face?)
“Pay insufficient attention to the freighting scenario of a comprehensive cyber attack which will bring to a complete halt to the power supply, transportation, hospital services our society as a whole the COVID-19 crisis would be seen in this respect as a small disturbance in comparison,” Schwab says in the video.
The clip was taken out of context. The full 10-minute video shows Schwab commenting on the importance of cybersecurity in the modern world. Schwab speaks about topics like the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the economy and healthcare as a starting point for his discussion on cybersecurity.
The WEF’s website does devote a section on its website to cybersecurity and the current risks associated with flaws in the industry, but does not hint at any upcoming cyberattacks or planned outages. The subject is expected to be a main talking point at the Davos meeting, according to ComputerWeekly.
This is not the first time misinformation about prominent figures has circulated online. Check Your Fact recently debunked an image purporting to show Pope John Paul II alongside Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.
