Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for April 25, 2018
The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
April 25, 2018: 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."[1][2]
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:
- 79 percent of Americans find hate speech morally unacceptable (November 3, 2017)
- 58 percent of Americans believe the political environment prevents them from saying what they believe (November 13, 2017)
- 67 percent of Americans believe free speech ensures the truth will eventually win out (November 15, 2017)
Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.
- April 24, 2018 – 46 percent growth in number of home health aides since the recession
- April 23, 2018 – 13 percent of term-limited state legislative seats flip parties on Election Day
- April 20, 2018 – $68 million budget for Harry Potter on Broadway
- April 19, 2018 – 24 percent of American adults say they’ll never use a self-driving car
- April 18, 2018 – $76,111 a month pension for retired university president
- To see other recent numbers, check out the archive.
Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day is published by Ballotpedia weekdays at 8:00 a.m. Eastern. Click here to check out the latest update.
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Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
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