The World Day Against Online Censorship was established in 2009 by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a French-based organization dedicated to defending freedom of expression and press freedom worldwide.

It is observed every year on 12 March to remind us that many countries still censor the internet and deny citizens the fundamental right to free expression and access to information.

What Is Internet Censorship?

Internet censorship refers to the restriction or control of information published on the internet. This can include blocking or limiting access to content such as news, opinions, and other online material when authorities consider it to violate certain rules or regulations.

These rules are usually established by governments, regulatory bodies, or sometimes private organizations and enforced by internet service providers, platforms, or website administrators. Censorship may also involve preventing access to information already published in newspapers, websites, television broadcasts, or public speeches.

The level of internet censorship varies greatly from country to country. In many democratic societies, restrictions are relatively limited and usually relate to issues such as illegal content. However, in some countries governments impose strict controls, limiting access to news sources and even restricting discussions among citizens online.

Sometimes censorship intensifies during sensitive political periods, such as elections, protests, or social unrest. A well-known example was the increase in internet restrictions during the Arab Spring uprisings.

Other common reasons cited for internet censorship include:

• Copyright protection
• Defamation and libel
• Harassment and hate speech
• Obscene or harmful material

Governments use various technical methods to enforce restrictions. These may include blocking websites, filtering content, or intercepting internet traffic. However, internet freedom advocates often develop tools to bypass these barriers.

For example, some censorship systems block websites by detecting and filtering DNS requests. In response, technology companies such as Cloudflare, Mozilla, and Google have promoted encrypted DNS technologies (DNS over TLS or HTTPS), which make interception more difficult.

Public Opinion on Internet Censorship

Public attitudes toward internet censorship are complex and sometimes contradictory.

According to a 2012 Internet Community Survey:

• 71% of respondents agreed that some form of internet censorship should exist.
• 83% believed that internet access should be considered a basic human right.
• 86% agreed that freedom of expression should be guaranteed online.

In the United States, discussions about internet censorship are strongly influenced by the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and access to information.

Meanwhile, according to GlobalWebIndex, more than 400 million people worldwide use virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass censorship or protect their online privacy.

“Enemies of the Internet”

Each year, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) publishes a list called “Enemies of the Internet.” Countries frequently included on this list are:

• China (known for the “Great Firewall”)
• North Korea
• Iran
• Syria
• Vietnam
• Russia

More recently, RSF has also raised concerns about countries that impose internet shutdowns, temporarily cutting off internet access during protests or elections.

The Situation in Greece

In recent years (2024–2025), Greece has ranked relatively low among European Union countries in terms of press freedom. This situation also affects the broader digital environment, including online journalism and access to independent information.

Forms of Internet Censorship Today

Modern internet censorship takes several forms, including:

IP Blocking and DNS Filtering
Authorities block access to specific websites or services by preventing users from reaching their servers.

Social Media Restrictions
Some governments block platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or other social media networks during periods of unrest.

Shadow Banning
A subtle form of moderation on social media where content is not deleted but is hidden from wider audiences, significantly reducing its visibility.

Disinformation Campaigns
Governments or organized groups may use bots or coordinated networks to spread false information, making it harder for accurate information to reach the public.

Minecraft Against Censorship: The “Uncensored Library”

One of the most creative initiatives against censorship was developed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) using the popular video game Minecraft.

RSF created a virtual library inside the game called “The Uncensored Library.” Because Minecraft remains accessible even in some countries where news websites are blocked, the project provides a unique way to access restricted journalism.

The virtual library contains articles written by journalists who have been censored, imprisoned, or forced into exile. By embedding these texts inside the game world, the project creates a digital space where governments cannot easily block access to the information.

Recent updates to the library have included sections focusing on the United States, highlighting concerns about increasing hostility toward journalists, legal threats, and book bans in certain states. This emphasizes that challenges to press freedom are not limited to authoritarian regimes.

According to Christian Mihr, an RSF executive, technology should be used as a tool for liberation and access to knowledge. The library hosts banned or restricted texts from countries such as Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Vietnam.