Some people, especially from the upper class fear the effect of easily available printed books due to the spread of literacy among the common people. They feared that they might lose their position or authorities. Some people thought that it might lead to the spread of rebellions and irreligious thoughts.

Example:

(i) In Europe, the Roman Catholic Church tried to curb the printed books through the Index of Prohibited Books.

(ii) In India, the Vernacular Press Act imposed restrictions on Indian press and various local newspapers.