An analysis of the 2019-2024 New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study data revealed that support for free speech has been decreasing during this period across all age groups. In contrast, there was little change in the level of support for restricting hate speech. The research was published in Political Psychology. Free speech is the right of individuals to express ideas, opinions, and information without undue interference or punishment from authorities. It includes spoken words, writing, art, protest, and other forms of expression. Free speech allows people to criticize those in power and hold governments accountable. It supports the search for truth by allowing competing ideas to be debated openly. Free speech protects individual autonomy by respecting people as thinking agents capable of forming their own views. In democratic societies, free speech enables informed voting and meaningful public participation. It helps minorities and marginalized groups voice their experiences and challenge dominant narratives. Without free speech, fear and conformity tend to replace creativity and innovation. For these reasons, free speech is widely seen as a foundation of …