Agnotology

Agnotology, formerly agnatology, is a neologism for the study of culturally-induced ignorance or doubt, particularly the publication of inaccurate or misleading scientific data. Wikipedia article

...Proctor argues, when society doesn't know something, it's often because special interests work hard to create confusion. from the Wired article

I think that intentionally publishing false data for personal gain should be regarded as a serious criminal offense with harsh penalties. Especially harsh penalties if the data makes appeals to human survival or itself can endanger survival.

That is fraud, fraud is illegal in every jurisdiction and is not protected free speech.

Clive Thompson via Paul Kedrosky via Barry Ritholtz