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Censorship in democracy

Author

Listed:
  • Marcel Caesmann
  • Matteo Grigoletto
  • Lorenz Gschwent

Abstract

The spread of propaganda and misinformation from autocratic regimes is a growing concern in democracies. We study the European Union’s ban on Russian state-backed news outlets after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, analyzing 677,780 tweets from 146,633 users with a difference-in-differences design in a daily panel. The ban reduced pro-Russian tweets by 10.9% per active user day, with strongest effects among users directly connected to the banned outlets. We find no evidence of substitution to secondary suppliers. Evidence on mechanisms indicates that the ban curtailed pro-Russian content by removing key agenda-setters. Finally, we examine the costs of censorship in a democratic context: A pre-registered experiment finds reduced satisfaction with free speech, particularly among political centrists.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcel Caesmann & Matteo Grigoletto & Lorenz Gschwent, 2024. "Censorship in democracy," ECON - Working Papers 446, Department of Economics - University of Zurich, revised Sep 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:zur:econwp:446
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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