This timeline tracks the free expression concerns raised as governments and private companies enact emergency measures to manage the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. Along with new regulations issued in the interest of public health come concerns about incursions on civil liberties and threats to free expression. Free speech and civil liberties advocates anticipated some of these concerns, but as regulations change and the crisis continues, new and unexpected issues arise.

This timeline is a working document that will continue to be updated as new issues concerning free expression arise during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a particular concern, please send us a censorship report via our Report Censorship form.

Threats to Free Expression During the COVID-19 Pandemic