Free Speech Still Trumps Fear of Fake News

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• An overwhelming majority (80%) say that protecting free speech so that all voices and opinions can be heard is more important than limiting free speech to prevent the spread of misinformation.
  • Just 15% take the opposite view.
• However, a similar majority (77%) of voters are worried about free speech being used to spread disinformation and fake news.
  • That number has remained steady over the past two years, whether Biden or Trump has been in office.
• Most (73%) are worried about government efforts to restrict freedom of speech, including 56% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats.

The most recent data cited is from a Napolitan News Service survey of 1,000 Registered Voters conducted online by Scott Rasmussen July 30-31, 2025. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1.