Can Governments Be Trusted With Expanded Powers?

​← Can Social Cohesion be Legislated?​

Many governments are introducing increasingly broad legislation and regulatory powers in the name of social cohesion, public safety and combating harmful behaviour.

Supporters argue that these powers are necessary to protect society and maintain social harmony. Critics argue that laws introduced for one purpose can later be misused, misapplied or expanded in ways that restrict legitimate debate, criticism and political dissent.

Question:

To what extent do you trust that governments will not misuse or misapply these laws to restrict legitimate dissent and public debate?