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'Minecraft' Library Helps You Dodge News Media Censorship

There are many ways to avoid censorship of the media, but it is becoming more difficult as countries like Russia and China take action against VPNs. Reporters Without Borders believes it can solve the growing problems: make the news available in a game that is rarely blocked. The group has collaborated with BlockWorks and MediaMonks on the Uncensored Library, a Minecraft map that features stories from journalists and other sites that are often removed from the game due to their unflattering facts. You'll find articles from murdered Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi (whose girlfriend Hatice Cengiz is a supporter of the project), the activist-friendly Russian site Grani.ru and the Egyptian anti-corruption website Mada Masr, among others.

You can also find out more about the current state of press freedom across 180 countries.

The library is a technological achievement in its own right. It resembles a huge neo-classical library with large book collections and country-specific wings. B2pconnections.com The library can't be disassembled however, you can expand it if you have the time.

Reporters Without Borders believes the Uncensored Library should be relatively resilient. Anyone can download the required map, and Minecraft's nature makes it easy to host another server if an oppressive nation attempts to shut it down. It's unlikely to last forever, however. Countries that already have strict measures to control censorship won't consider bans on Minecraft outright -- this may be just a temporary reprieve.

But that's not the point. It's also a commentary about censorship and a way for people to be involved in challenging subjects. If it inspires a few Minecraft players to speak out for press freedom or pursue investigative reporting as a profession then it has accomplished its purpose.