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The MediaMonks Take Us Inside the Uncensored Library

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The MediaMonks Take Us Inside the Uncensored Library

Webby Awards,

5 min read
3 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

The MediaMonks use Minecraft to promote free speech and journalism worldwide.

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Eye Opening
  • Visionary

Recommendation

To combat international censorship, in 2020 Reporters without Borders released The Uncensored Library created by BlockWorks, DDB Berlin and the MediaMonks production company, which won a Webby Award for its work. The library republishes censored content within the computer game Minecraft and thus reaches millions of gamers – many in nations with little or no freedom of the press. In this interview, DDB senior copywriter Tobias Natterer discusses an unexpected use of blockchain technology, which ensures that Minecraft cannot be shut down.

Summary

The Uncensored Library provides books and articles – via Minecraft – to countries with scant press freedom – or none.

Censorship is a global problem, and some countries have severely restrictive censorship laws. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) sought ways to provide crucial information and reliable journalism to people in countries with harsh censorship laws. The MediaMonks production company, DDB Berlin and BlockWorks developed an innovative solution: The Uncensored Library, which is lodged within the computer game Minecraft.

At present, the library features works from seven countries – Mexico, Russia, Egypt, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Belarus and Brazil – and it will eventually add Eritrea. The creative team selected these nations by comparing RSF...

About the Author

For this report, the Webby Awards interviewed Tobias Natterer, senior copywriter at the advertising agency DDB Berlin and a lead creative on The Uncensored Library project. MediaMonks B.V. won the 2021 Webby Award for The Uncensored Library for Public Service, Activism and Social Impact in Games. For more information, see uncensoredlibrary.com.

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    D. D. 3 years ago
    How do they establish veracity of the articles published in the library? Who proofs and edits? Last thing we need is yet another outlet for misinformation to circulate.