This is the fifth worldwide study on the freedom to publish opinion polls, conducted by the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR) and executed this time by the Public Opinion Programme at The University of Hong Kong (HKUPOP).  A record number of 85 different countries or regions participated in this study, as compared to 49 in 1984, 57 in 1992, 78 in 1996 and 66 in 2002.

As stated in the constitution of WAPOR, “Public opinion is a critical force in shaping and transforming society. Properly conducted and disseminated survey research provides the public with a tool to measure opinions and attitudes in order to allow its voices to be heard.” In light of this, WAPOR promotes the right to conduct and publish polls in each country around the world. The worldwide study is an important effort by WAPOR to keep the research industry and the public aware of restrictions that may impact access to this critical tool.  As the world evolves, the task of safeguarding the freedom to publish opinion polls will remain as important as the development of codes of ethics and professional standards. With the knowledge gained through the study, WAPOR will continue working to expand the rights of researchers around the world to conduct surveys and to freely publicize their results. 

WAPOR would like to express our gratitude to Robert Chung and the Public Opinion Programme at The University of Hong Kong for undertaking the study. 

Report on the Freedom to Publish Opinion Poll Results
A Worldwide Update 2012
Copyright © WAPOR 2012

Previous version (2002):

Report on a Worldwide Study

Table of Contents

Report on the Freedom to Publish Opinion Polls

Copyright © ESOMAR 2003
This study was supported in part by a grant fromthe International Social Science Council SRP 105-30a and SRP 106-30b

The Foundation for Information is an independent organization registered in Amsterdam.  It was formed in 1996 by ESOMAR. The Foundation will operate on a worldwide scale.  It will take action to protect the rights of individuals and commercial enterprises to obtain and make use of information without any unfair or unnecessary restrictions.  The Foundation will be actively involved in organizing training and education courses and will produce a range of publications.

Founded in 1948, ESOMAR-The World Association of Research Professionals is the international body representing established marketing specialists.  With over 3,500 members in over 90 countries, ESOMAR stands for the highest possible standards, both professionally and technically.

Founded in 1947, the World Association for Public Opinion Research- WAPOR aims to further the use of scientific survey research in national and international affairs.  There are over 450 members in more than 60 countries.

This post is also available in: Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), French, German