Americans Do Increasingly Support Restrictions on Free Expression According to Pew Research
The number of US adults who report “the federal government should restrict false information online,” has increased steadily in recent years according to an iteration of Pew Research Surveys regarding content restriction. In 2018, 39% of respondents indicated approval for the US government “tak[ing] steps to restrict false information online, even if it limits freedom of information.” In 2021, this figure rose to 48%, and reached 55% in 2023. This is coupled with a decrease in the number of respondents who indicated “freedom of information should be protected, even if it means false information can be published.”
A larger number of respondents indicated approval for tech companies restricting false information online. In 2018, 56% of respondents indicated tech companies “should take steps to restrict false information online, even if it limits freedom of information.” In 2021, this figure rose to 59% and reached 65% in 2023.
Additionally, the same survey demonstrates a growing polarization surrounding the restriction of false misinformation online between Republicans and Democrats. In 2018, Republicans and Democrats approved of the US government taking steps to restrict false information online at a rate of 37% and 40% respectively. While Republican approval fell to 28% in 2021 before rising to 39% in 2023, Democrats increased to 65% approval in 2021 to 70% approval in 2023.
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