Censoring Pleas for Help

Government price controls, especially during natural disasters, act as harmful censorship by preventing market prices from signaling urgent needs and enabling social cooperation. High prices after disasters incentivize suppliers to provide essential goods and services quickly, while price ceilings disrupt this process, reducing aid and misallocating resources. ​ Recognizing market prices as vital communication tools can help avoid the unintended consequences of price controls. ​ Aligns well with CSE 2.3.