Fewer than 3 in 10 Americans Agree the US Government Should Prohibit Political Bias in Online Services

Only 29 percent of Americans agree the US government should prohibit political bias in online services such as Facebook and Google, according to a new survey from the Center for Data Innovation. Moreover, public support for a government prohibition of political bias online drops even further when respondents consider the potential impact of such rules. Only 21 percent agree the US government should prohibit political bias online if it would create a worse user experience—and that drops to just 19 percent if it would limit free speech. There are some differences in these opinions based on political ideology: 41 percent of conservatives agree the US government should regulate political bias in online services, compared to 24 percent of liberals. However, support drops among both groups when respondents are asked whether they would support regulating online services if it would limit free speech: Only 27 percent of conservatives and 16 percent of liberals agree.