### Why Conservatives View Censorship as Wrong in America

In the United States, conservatives have long championed free speech as a cornerstone of democracy, arguing that censorship undermines constitutional principles and silences dissenting voices. Rooted in the First Amendment, this stance posits that government or corporate suppression of ideas erodes individual liberties and fosters authoritarian control.

A primary concern is the perceived bias against conservative viewpoints on social media platforms. According to a 2020 Pew Research Center survey, 90% of Republicans believe social media sites intentionally censor political viewpoints. This sentiment stems from instances where conservative content, often labeled as misinformation, is disproportionately flagged or removed. Research from New York University's Stern Center for Business and Human Rights indicates that while conservatives may face more sanctions, it's frequently due to higher rates of sharing false information, yet conservatives counter that this is a pretext for ideological bias.

Conservatives also argue that censorship by the left, including efforts to ban books or regulate online speech, contradicts American values of open debate. As noted in a Heritage Foundation commentary, the narrative of conservatives "banning books" is a leftist tactic to deflect from their own censorious actions, such as restricting discussions on topics like critical race theory in schools. A 2023 study in PNAS highlights partisan differences: Democrats favor removing misinformation, while Republicans prioritize preserving it to avoid overreach.

Furthermore, federal involvement in content moderation raises alarms about government overreach. A 2025 Pew survey shows only 43% of Republicans support federal actions against online falsehoods, reflecting growing skepticism toward such interventions. Conservatives warn that allowing censorship normalizes suppression of political opposition, as evidenced by claims of liberal-led transparency blocks in Congress.

Ultimately, conservatives contend that censorship, regardless of intent, stifles innovation and truth-seeking, threatening the marketplace of ideas essential to a free society.