The Briefing

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) wanted to create a campaign that actively fights censorship but also reaches young people in oppressive countries with strict online censorship.

The Idea

But how to overcome strong firewalls and excite young people about press freedom? By bringing it to their world: Minecraft.

Because even in countries where almost all media is blocked - Minecraft, one of the world's biggest computer games is easily accessible. And Minecraft has books that can be freely written.

RSF used this loophole to build a digital library in Minecraft:
The Uncensored Library. Censored articles from acclaimed journalists became uncensored Minecraft books inside the library. And for the first time ever, a game became a tool to overcome censorship.

The Results

The Uncensored Library reached more than 20 million gamers from 165 countries, many of them suffering under censorship. Adding up to a total play time of more than 15 years.

But the library went beyond the game: resulting in more than 790 news articles with a total media reach of 2.7 billion. Donations for RSF increased significantly by 62%, helping them to extend their global fight for press freedom

The library even became a teaching tool in many schools and universities and the Design Museum in London made it a permanent part of their exhibition. The Uncensored Library will stay open and more articles are being added – to give young people back their human right to access independent information.

Additional Material