Unfortunately, in 2024, we still find cases where oppressive regimes stifle the media and censor information. Now, creative solutions help connect information without running into this problem.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) made a remarkable breakthrough with The Uncensored Librarya virtual library built in Minecraft, one of the most popular video games in the world.

On March 12, on the occasion of the World Day Against Cyber ​​Censorship, the digital library opened its doors, providing unlimited access to banned articles from around the world, ensuring freedom of information.

Minecraft’s popularity, with over 145 million monthly players, makes it an ideal platform for sharing information. Known for its sprawling, block-built words that players can explore. Minecraft provided RSF with the ideal digital environment to circumvent traditional censorship. In countries where independent media and websites are restricted, Minecraft remains accessible, providing a haven for press freedom.

In The Uncensored Library, players can read articles from censored journalists who have even been imprisoned, exiled, or even killed for their work. Their stories, republished as gamebooks, give users access to uncensored accounts from countries including Egypt, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam.

Star journalists include notable figures such as Jamal Khashoggi of Saudi Arabia and Nguyen Van Dai of Vietnam. Through these writings, players learn about the realities of government repression, corruption, and journalists’ courageous pursuit of the truth.

The Uncensored Library itself, built by RSF in collaboration with digital design studio BlockWorks, is an architectural marvel inspired by neoclassical design.

Spanning more than 12.5 million blocks and designed by 24 builders from 16 countries, the library embodies resilience and knowledge, making it a symbol of the global struggle for free expression.

In its large rooms, players can also access RSF’s World Press Freedom Index, as well as a wealth of information on press freedom in more than 180 countries.

Explore the Uncensored Library:

Minecraft server: visit.uncensoredlibrary.com

Download the map: uncensoredlibrary.com

With the unifying hashtag #TruthFindsAWay, RSF invites everyone to support the fight against censorship, proving that the truth can remain unstoppable.

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