Thirty-nine percent (39%) of American adults believe the U.S. government should take steps to restrict false information online. The Pew Research Center found that support exists “even if it limits people from freely publishing or accessing information."
However, when it comes to online publishing, a solid majority support free speech. Fifty-eight percent (58%) believe that “people’s freedom to publish and access information should be protected.” That support comes with the recognition that “it means false information can also be published.”
Americans are more comfortable placing tech companies in the position of controlling speech on their own platforms. Fifty-six percent (56%) favor the companies taking steps to prevent false information from being published. Forty-two percent (42%) are opposed.
Republicans and Democrats are equally opposed to government restrictions on internet publishing. However, Democrats are more supportive of tech company intervention.
Earlier Numbers of the Day found strong opposition to hate speech, but also a belief that free speech will eventually let the truth win out:
Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology. Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
Scott Rasmussen is founder and president of the Rasmussen Media Group. He is the author of "Mad as Hell: How the Tea Party Movement Is Fundamentally Remaking Our Two-Party System," "In Search of Self-Governance," and "The People’s Money: How Voters Will Balance the Budget and Eliminate the Federal Debt." Read more reports from Scott Rasmussen — Click Here Now.
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