Should the U.S. Government Take Steps to Restrict False Information Online, Even If It Limits Freedom of Information?

Should the U.S. Government Take Steps to Restrict False Information Online, Even If It Limits Freedom of Information?

Pew Research Center asked this question in 2018, 2021, and 2023.

Back in 2018, about 39% of adults felt government should take steps to restrict false information online—even if it means sacrificing some freedom of information. In 2023, those who felt this way had grown to 55%.

What's notable is this increase was largely driven by Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents. In 2018, 40% of Dem/Leaning felt government should step, but in 2023 that number stood at 70%. The same among Republicans and Republican leaning independents stood at 37% in 2018 and 39% in 2023.

How did this partisan split develop?

Does this freedom versus safety debate echo the debate surrouding the Patriot Act?