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Debunking the Microsoft Microchip in COVID-19 Vaccines Claims
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of unsubstantiated rumors began to circulate. One particularly notable claim suggested that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates was incorporating microchips into the vaccines. Despite being conclusively disproved, this misinformation gained significant traction. The rapid spread of this false narrative led to widespread concern and confusion among the public.
Claims on Social Media
Some individuals claimed that Microsoft, in association with Bill Gates or Pfizer, had incorporated microchips into COVID-19 vaccines. According to these claims, the alleged microchips were purportedly intended to monitor vaccine recipients
Fact-Check-
No Evidence of Microchips in Vaccines
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, along with all other approved vaccines, does not contain microchips. The ingredients for these vaccines are publicly available and have been thoroughly reviewed by regulatory agencies such as the FDA (see here). No authorized or approved vaccine contains any material related to microchips or tracking technology.
Origins and Misinterpretations
The microchip conspiracy theory stemmed from baseless digital tracking concerns, often involving Bill Gates due to his foundation's health and technology work. This was fueled by misinterpretations of a 2018 video about an FDA-approved pill with a digital sensor for mental health patients, and Gates' mention of "digital certificates" in an interview. The latter actually referred to invisible ink for storing vaccine records, not microchips. These unrelated instances were wrongly associated with COVID-19 vaccines, despite having no connection. (Reuters, BBC)
No Agreement Between Microsoft and Pfizer
There is no agreement between Microsoft and Pfizer regarding microchip implantation in COVID-19 vaccines. While these companies have collaborated on technology initiatives in healthcare, their partnerships focus on improving patient care and operational efficiencies. For instance, Microsoft has recognized Pfizer for innovative technology use and worked with them to deliver software solutions to physician practices. However, these collaborations are unrelated to vaccine manufacturing or microchip development for vaccines.
Official and Expert Responses
Numerous global health authorities and key figures have consistently debunked the microchip conspiracy theory. The FDA has explicitly stated that COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any tracking devices or chips.
Moreover, according to Jenny Johnson from the Utah Department of Health, there are no microchips, magnets, or Bluetooth technology in the vaccines. She emphasized that it's scientifically impossible to create a tracking microchip small enough for vaccine injection.
Masood Tabib-Azar, a University of Utah professor, explained that a microchip for tracking would be too large for vaccine needles, requiring at least 1mm³ space. He noted that such a chip would need its own antenna and power source, further increasing its size. Additionally, Tabib-Azar pointed out that vaccines are clear liquids, making any added particles easily visible.
Bill Gates, frequently targeted by these claims, has directly addressed and refuted them. In a CNBC News interview, Gates stressed the importance of disseminating factual information to combat misinformation. He expressed optimism that as facts become more widely circulated, the false narratives would naturally diminish.
Conclusion-
Claims that Microsoft or Pfizer implanted microchips in COVID-19 vaccines have been widely circulated but lack supporting evidence. Regulatory agencies have approved COVID-19 vaccines based on their safety and efficacy data, with no indication of tracking devices being present. Various fact-checking organizations, health authorities, and public figures, including Bill Gates, have addressed and refuted these claims.
