The latest Pew Research Center report, released April 24, 2025, highlights growing concerns over press, speech, and internet freedoms worldwide. The report, titled “Free Expression Seen as Important Globally, but Not Everyone Thinks Their Country Has Press, Speech and Internet Freedoms,” surveyed more than 40,000 adults across 35 countries and offers a data-driven view into how people perceive their rights to expression amid rising misinformation and shifting politics.
Freedom of speech remains a top priority—but satisfaction is slipping
Globally, a majority of people say free expression is vital. In the U.S., 62% of adults in 2025 said it was “very important” to be able to say what they want without government censorship. That figure is up from 56% in 2024 but remains lower than the 71% recorded in 2015.
Despite its perceived importance, only 32% of Americans believe they are “completely free” to say what they want. This disconnect illustrates what the report calls “freedom gaps”—the difference between how important a freedom is and whether people feel they actually have it.
Internet use feels freer than speech or press
A median of 50% of respondents across all countries said people are “completely free” to use the internet. In the U.S., that number is slightly higher at 54%. By contrast, only 33% of Americans say the media is completely free to report the news, and 32% feel free to speak without censorship.
These findings suggest internet platforms remain more open than traditional media outlets, at least in perception, though misinformation remains a major concern.
The freedom gap is widest in Latin America and parts of Europe
Some countries showed particularly large discrepancies between how important freedoms are and how free people feel. In Chile, for example, 90% of respondents said press freedom is very or somewhat important—but only 29% believe their media is free. Similar gaps were reported in Argentina, Colombia, Greece, and Turkey.
Across Latin America, confidence in media freedom was notably lower than the global median. Only 49% said their press was at least somewhat free, compared to a global median of 71%.
Politics and partisanship shape perceptions of freedom
In the United States, views on expression freedoms vary significantly by political affiliation. Republicans in 2025 were more likely than Democrats to say the press, speech, and internet are free. These partisan gaps have widened since 2024, reflecting how political dynamics influence public trust in institutions.
Misinformation concerns remain widespread
The report also underscores growing global concern about “made-up news.” This anxiety undermines trust in both traditional and digital media, influencing how people perceive freedom of information. The trend has been consistent across regions, regardless of economic development or political systems.
Why this matters
As democratic systems face growing scrutiny and global elections unfold, the Pew report makes clear that freedom of expression remains a pillar of public concern. But the gap between values and reality is widening, especially in regions struggling with censorship, misinformation, and political instability.
The data suggest that protecting press and speech freedoms—and addressing public skepticism—will be essential to democratic resilience in the years ahead.
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