Deadly Japanese quake revives conspiracy theory about HAARP-induced tremors - AFP Fact Check
factcheck.afp.com
A 7.1-magnitude quake hits southern Japan and within days old claims resurface that a U.S. research antenna secretly triggered it — but can any transmitter move tectonic plates?
Conspiracy TheoryProportionality BiasScapegoat TheoryIllusory Correlation
Theory Briefing
- A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on July 28, immediately sparking renewed claims that the U.S. HAARP facility secretly caused it.
- HAARP is a real ionospheric research program in Alaska, but the leap from radio-wave research to earthquake generation is the core disputed claim.
- The same HAARP theory resurfaces after nearly every major earthquake, suggesting the appeal is in the pattern of blame, not new evidence.
- AFP Fact Check flagged the posts as spreading 'well-worn' conspiracy theories, implying the claims are recycled rather than based on new findings.