A strong majority of Americans want the Internet free from regulation and censorship, according to a new poll from Rasmussen Reports. 61% of adults surveyed want no part of regulation and censorship, with only 26% thinking the Federal Communications Commission should regulate the Internet.
When asked what was the best way to protect Internet users, 56% said more free-market competition, while only 19% of respondents favored government regulation.
68% of respondents were concerned—44% very concerned—that FCC control over the Internet would lead to the government supervising the content of the Internet or purveying a possible political agenda. In 2010, only 56% of voters were concerned about government control leading to promoting a political agenda.
The gap between Republicans and independents on one side and Democrats on the other when it comes to government control of the Internet is significant: 65% of Republicans and 70% of independents are against FCC regulation, 48% of Democrats agree.
In addition, only 33% of Democrats are very concerned that FCC regulatory control would let the government control the content of the Internet or propagandize, as compared to 58% of GOP voters and 43% of independents.
54% of voters believe the federal government threatens rather than protects their individual liberty.
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