CIGI Survey: Social Media Can Enhance Freedom of Expression

A survey by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and Ipsos reveals that 50% of the global population agrees that social media can enhance freedom of expression. Only 13% believe social media reduces freedom of expression, while 37% see no impact. This survey was conducted from December 21, 2018, to February 10, 2019, across 25 countries, with a sample size of 25,229 internet users.

Kenya showed the highest level of openness towards freedom of expression on social media, at 88%. Only 6% believed it had no impact, and 5% believed it reduced freedom of expression.

Indonesia ranked fifth, after Nigeria, Tunisia, and South Africa. 66% of respondents agreed that social media can increase freedom of expression. Only 8% believed it reduces freedom of expression, while 25% saw no impact.

Conversely, the highest percentage of respondents believing social media reduces freedom of expression was in Turkey (37%) and Russia (27%). The largest percentage of respondents who saw no impact was in Japan, at 62%.