Governments struggling to retain trust of citizens, global survey finds

Survey spanning 40 countries reveals how officials are failing to keep up with changes in way voters gather information and form opinions

Weakened and distrusted central governments around the world have been incapable of responding to the way the internet and social media have empowered populist but previously fringe groups, a unique worldwide survey of government communication chiefs has found.

The survey spanning 40 countries is the first international review to reveal how deeply governments feel they are losing control and authority over communications.