Like why is it even the governments business to go curate a public image. If there is a false statement, make a statement about it don't infringe on rights of y

Like why is it even the governments business to go curate a public image. If there is a false statement, make a statement about it don't infringe on rights of your citizens or non-citizens. It's the fundamental difference between an Authoritative govt & a democratically elected one. I hope after the whole pandemic goes away (whenever that is), these issues of suppression are thoroughly investigated to find out who is behind muffling voices/criticism.