Minecraft’s Uncensored Virtual Library
Article courtesy: SoftpageCMS.com
In an age where digital censorship suppresses freedom of expression, a revolutionary project has emerged within the blocky universe of Minecraft. The Uncensored Library, a virtual repository of banned journalism, stands as a powerful tool against oppressive regimes. Created by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in partnership with creative agency DDB Germany, design studio BlockWorks, and production company MediaMonks, this digital library leverages Minecraft’s global reach to deliver uncensored content to those in censored regions. Launched on 12 March 2020, during the World Day Against Cyber Censorship, it has become a vital resource for press freedom.
A Virtual Fortress for Banned Voices
The Uncensored Library is a breathtaking virtual structure, built with over 12.5 million Minecraft blocks by 24 builders from 16 countries. Its neoclassical design, inspired by landmarks like the New York Public Library, features a grand rotunda stretching 984 feet. The library is divided into wings representing countries with severe press censorship, such as Russia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Egypt, Belarus, Brazil, and Eritrea. Each wing contains Minecraft books—digital texts preserving banned articles in their original languages and English, ensuring accessibility worldwide.
These texts, curated by RSF, feature works by journalists who have faced persecution. For example, the library includes articles by the late Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, preserved with the support of his fiancée, Hatice Cengiz. Similarly, exiled Vietnamese blogger Nguyen Van Dai and murdered Mexican journalist Javier Valdez have their works safeguarded. A dedicated room also highlights press repression during the COVID-19 pandemic, exposing censorship in countries like China, Iran, and North Korea.
Why Minecraft?
With 145 million monthly active players, Minecraft is a global phenomenon that transcends borders. Unlike social media platforms, which are often blocked in authoritarian states, Minecraft remains accessible in most regions, making it an ideal platform for bypassing censorship. “We chose Minecraft because of its universal availability,” says Christian Mihr, executive director of Reporters Without Borders Germany. “It’s not censored like other games suspected of political content.”
The library operates on an open Minecraft server, allowing global access. For added security, it can be downloaded as an offline map, stored on decentralised blockchain storage to resist government interference. “The library’s download link is censorship-protected, making it indestructible,” explains Tobias Natterer of DDB Berlin. This ensures that even if a server is shut down, players can reupload the library elsewhere.
Engaging Young Minds
The Uncensored Library also targets younger audiences, particularly Minecraft’s core demographic of 15- to 30-year-olds, to foster awareness of press freedom. “Young people often bypass traditional news, so this project engages them directly,” says Kristin Bässe, head of the initiative. The library’s design encourages exploration: a floor map, based on RSF’s World Press Freedom Index, ranks 180 countries by press freedom, while a domed ceiling displays their flags, linking to censorship data.
This interactive approach sparks dialogue. “Players often check their country’s status on the map first,” notes James Delaney of BlockWorks. For example, German YouTubers have streamed library tours, encouraging followers to consider press freedom in elections. In one instance, a Canadian player learned about censorship’s impact from a Hong Kong peer, highlighting the project’s ability to connect global perspectives.
A Global Impact
Since its launch, the Uncensored Library has attracted over 25 million visitors, with steady weekly traffic and adoption in educational settings. It earned a 2022 Peabody Award in the Interactive category, praised as “an innovative backdoor for censored content.” The project builds on RSF’s legacy of creative anti-censorship efforts, like the Uncensored Playlist, which smuggled banned stories into Spotify songs.
Looking Forward
As global censorship intensifies, RSF plans to expand the library, adding more articles and country-specific wings. The project’s hashtag, #TruthFindsAWay, reflects its mission to ensure knowledge endures. By transforming Minecraft into a sanctuary for free speech, Reporters Without Borders has redefined the fight for freedom of expression.
*Visit the Uncensored Library at uncensoredlibrary.com or join via *Minecraft. Support RSF’s mission at rsf.org.
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Thought for the day:
“Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational.” George Couras
