FDA Says The Internet Is Going Down Later This Week?

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) posted a video to Twitter about stopping the spread of misinformation.

Strangely, the FDA used “the internet is going down later this week” as an example.

“Are you prepared? The internet is going down later this week. It’s going to be crazy. Find out more below,” the video said.

The video added panicked screams in the background.

“The real truth the government refuses to tell you. Previous account banned for sharing the truth,” the video used in another example.

“Wait a minute. This is misinformation,” the video added.

“You may be spreading misinformation unintentionally. Confirm the credibility of a source before contributing to the conversation. To see how FDA is addressing misinformation, check out our Rumor Control webpage,” the video concluded.

WATCH:

You can stop the spread of misinformation! https://t.co/JcM10Oq5DY pic.twitter.com/bzc9J3E1XA

— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) May 22, 2023

Twitter users reacted to the peculiar example of the internet going down later this week:

Strange you release this the same day Congress is given satellite phones in case everything goes down. https://t.co/LeV3CsPxZf

— Jennifer Rote 🐰 🇺🇸 (@wildnmild4u) May 22, 2023

https://twitter.com/Alm18703/status/1660698920505229328

The FDA posted about misinformation. They chose to use the internet “going out this week” as an example. 👀 https://t.co/ElnBsQJuDm pic.twitter.com/L7Filb6jgp

— Gloria Twiford (@audiegloria) May 22, 2023

Lolol, also same day 50 senatora got satellite phones https://t.co/5DGwBr9joi

— CrypWalker (@CryptoFLmoon) May 22, 2023

The FDA stated on its ‘Rumor Control‘ page:

The growing spread of rumors, misinformation and disinformation about science, medicine, and the FDA, is putting patients and consumers at risk. We’re here to provide the facts.

Don’t be misled.

Watch how to identify and help stop the spread of health misinformation.

Although the FDA warning Americans about ‘misinformation’ is laughable, the timing of the three-letter agency’s message raises eyebrows.

The message comes at the same time U.S. senators received satellite phones for emergency communication in case of a disruptive event.

From CBS News:

Amid growing concerns of security risks to members of Congress, more than 50 senators have been issued satellite phones for emergency communication, people familiar with the measures told CBS News. The devices are part of a series of new security measures being offered to senators by the Senate Sergeant at Arms, who took over shortly after the assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

The satellite phone technology has been offered to all 100 senators. CBS News has learned at least 50 have accepted the phones, which Senate administrative staff recommend senators keep in close proximity during their travels.

In testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee last month, Senate Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson said satellite communication is being deployed “to ensure a redundant and secure means of communication during a disruptive event.”

Gibson said the phones are a security backstop in the case of an emergency that “takes out communications” in part of America. Federal funding will pay for the satellite airtime needed to utilize the phone devices.

A Department of Homeland Security advisory said satellite phones are a tool for responding to and coordinating government services in the case of a “man-made” or natural disaster that wipes out communication.