Government snoops encourage self-censorship in free countries on par with that under totalitarian regimes

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A new analysis of how government surveillance has affected writers throughout the world finds that those living in liberal democracies censor their own material at a rate on par with intellectuals in countries deemed “not free,” including Russia China and Sudan.

Pen America surveyed a pool of nearly writers in 50 countries throughout the world for its “Global Chilling” report, which examines the broad “damaging impact of surveillance by the United States and other governments on free expression and creative freedom around the world.”

The survey illustrates that writers in liberal democracies reported self-censoring work for fear of government surveillance about 75 percent of the time. By comparison, 80 percent of writers in countries such as Russia and China, where intellectuals assume that government snoops are on the lookout for subversive, reported self-censorship.

“Writers are reluctant to speak about, write about, or conduct research on topics that they think may draw government scrutiny,” the survey notes. “This has a devastating impact on freedom of information as well: If writers avoid exploring topics for fear of possible retribution, the material available to readers — particularly those seeking to understand the most controversial and challenging issues facing the world today — may be greatly impoverished.”

In the U.S., 27 percent of writers said that they avoided or considered avoiding speaking out or writing on certain topics because of government spying in the past year.

“Fear of government surveillance is prompting many writers living in democratic countries to engage in the kind of self-censorship associated with police states,” Pen Executive Director Suzanne Nossel said in a statement. “We’re all well aware of writers in places like China and Russia who must live life knowing they are always being watched — it’s disturbing to recognize that those in the U.S., Canada, and Australia are now coming to adopt similar behavior.”

Personal Liberty

Sam Rolley

After covering news and politics for traditional media outlets, Sam Rolley took a position at Personal Liberty Media Group where he focuses on his true passions: national politics and liberty issues. In his daily columns and reports, Rolley works to help readers recognize lies perpetuated by the mainstream media and develop a better understanding of issues ignored by more conventional outlets. Follow him on Twitter @SamRolley