What transpires when a news story faces censorship? In a remarkable twist, it can find refuge within the virtual realms of a video game. In 2020, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), in collaboration with the Minecraft design collective BlockWorks, unveiled the Uncensored Library—a sprawling digital archive nestled within the world of Minecraft.
What the Uncensored Library is and why Reporters Without Borders built it in Minecraft
The Uncensored Library stands as a grand digital repository aimed at combating the pervasive issue of censorship. This innovative project was conceived by Reporters Without Borders and BlockWorks to provide a platform for silenced authors in countries where access to information is restricted. According to a library guide from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the library offers access to journal articles that have been deemed forbidden, reinforcing RSF’s commitment to fighting global censorship.
Why a video game? How Minecraft stays reachable when other platforms are blocked
The choice of platform is pivotal. As noted by Minecraft, social media and various other platforms are often subjected to restrictions in the countries of concern, while Minecraft frequently remains accessible. This characteristic allowed Reporters Without Borders to navigate around censorship, making vital information available to those who need it most. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte describes Minecraft as a popular open-world game, emphasizing its unique ability to engage younger audiences while providing access to information that has been concealed from the public eye. The result is a blocky book bastion, a playful yet serious endeavor.
How to visit the Uncensored Library, from the Minecraft server to the downloadable map
Accessing the Uncensored Library is straightforward; players can connect through a dedicated Minecraft server or download the library locally from the project’s website. However, it is important to note that the library is currently available only to Windows and Mac users, leaving console players unable to participate. Prospective visitors are encouraged to consult the website’s instructions for a seamless setup.
Around 300 books, twelve wings and a statue of a clenched hand holding a pen
The library boasts approximately 300 books spread across twelve wings, each representing a country where information is often limited. Visitors can meander through the library, reading banned articles presented as in-game books. The visual elements of the library, including a statue of a clenched hand gripping a pen and an exterior park, create an immersive experience that conveys the gravity of the project.
How the countries and articles were picked, from the Press Freedom Index to journalists’ own submissions
The selection of countries represented in the library was informed by Google Analytics, which identified nations with active Minecraft communities, alongside the Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders. Journalists from these countries contributed their articles, which were then transformed into Minecraft books. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte highlights that the collection features works from journalists who have bravely sought to uncover and share the truth, often at great personal cost. The library’s collection is described as carefully curated, ensuring that it reflects the realities faced by those in oppressive environments.
New rooms for Brazil, Belarus, Eritrea and Iran, how the library keeps growing
The Uncensored Library is not a static entity; it is a living collection that continues to expand. In its March 2026 update, RSF announced the addition of a new room dedicated to the United States, alongside expansions to the sections for Egypt, Belarus, Russia, and Iran. The Belarus room received six new articles, while the Russia section welcomed over 20 contributions from exiled media outlets. The ongoing growth of the library now encompasses journalism from Egypt, Belarus, Brazil, Eritrea, Iran, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and the United States.
This initiative transcends Minecraft’s traditional role as a space for creativity and construction. RSF has ingeniously utilized this platform to make censored articles accessible, leveraging a medium that remains freely available in many regions where independent news websites may be blocked. The articles are presented as books within Minecraft and are available in both English and the authors’ native languages. Since its inception in 2020, the library has attracted over one million visitors, with its books being read an impressive ten million times.
