Who in The World Supports Free Speech? Findings from a Global Survey

Based on survey data from 33 countries, this recent report, published by The Future of Free Speech, tackles the following questions: In the face of various kinds and degrees of restrictions, how much do people support free speech? What matters do people think they should be allowed to debate and critique? While majorities in surveyed countries generally support free speech, the exact figures vary significantly – between 54% and 88%. The highest levels of support for free speech are in Scandinavian countries, but also Hungary and Venezuela. Japan, Israel, and the US have dropped considerably in support since the 2021 edition of the report. “Most nations show high levels of support for free speech in the abstract,” the report states, “but support is lower and more divided when it comes to statements that are offensive to minorities or one’s own religion, supportive of homosexual relationships, or insulting to the national flag.”