Microsoft founder Bill Gates has cited conspiracy theories as the reason for refusing the vaccine and wearing masks. He stated this in an interview with the Australian television channel ABC.
“It is tragic that conspiracy theories around vaccines are causing people to refuse to wear masks or get vaccinated when available,” Gates said.
He noted that the IT giants, governments need to decide where exactly to draw the line between suppressing disinformation and violating freedom of speech, and also understand whether such efforts are generally appropriate. He added that he has not yet seen examples of a good approach to this issue.
Earlier, the billionaire admitted that he had come across conspiracy theories around vaccines and before COVID-19, and lamented that mistrust of vaccines could slow down the fight against the pandemic. Bill Gates himself was vaccinated on January 22nd.