Political censorship refers to the suppression or restriction of information, ideas, or opinions by governments or political authorities. This practice often aims to control public perception, limit dissent, and maintain power by preventing the dissemination of information that could challenge the ruling party or government. Common methods of political censorship include the banning of books, controlling media outlets, and monitoring online content. Countries with strict political censorship may impose severe penalties on individuals or organizations that share prohibited information, impacting freedom of speech and the public's right to know about issues affecting their lives, such as elections and government policies.