Censorship may involve restrictions on expression, or the public availability of books, newspapers and journals, films, plays, news, artwork, photography, broadcasts, and non-acceptance of new scientific thought. Censorship may lead to lack of information and subsequent development of apathy, ignorance, conformism and general stagnation. It may threaten democracy and encourage subversive activities. It may equally foster idealism through indoctrination and strengthen governmental control.
Censorship is universal, but particularly marked in political dictatorships or totalitarian regimes.