Overall, 44% of Americans think major technology companies should be regulated more than they are now, down from 56% in April 2021. Conversely, the share of Americans who say they want less government regulation of major technology companies has roughly doubled, from about one-in-ten (9%) in previous years to one-in-five today.

These changes are particularly pronounced among Republicans and independents who lean toward the Republican Party, especially those who identify as conservative.

Read more: Support for more regulation of tech companies has declined in U.S., especially among Republicans

In the midst of an ongoing debate over the power of digital technology companies and the way they do business, sizable shares of Americans believe these companies privilege the views of certain groups over others.

A majority of Republicans say technology firms support the views of liberals over conservatives (64%) and that social media platforms censor political viewpoints (85%). Still, Americans tend to feel that these firms benefit them and – to a lesser degree – society.

Public Attitudes Toward Technology Companies