The Truth Wins
Using blockchain and creative tech to bypass censorship for journalists and activists
Governments demand social networks ban journalists, activists, and opposition figures. Followers lose track, reach drops, and censorship wins by default. The Truth Wins addressed this with two technical solutions that don't ask permission from governments or platforms.
Lottery numbers method
National lottery results serve as universal identifiers embedded in journalist handles. Since lottery numbers are public and predictable in schedule, followers can always locate banned accounts that re-appear under a new name. Governments can demand bans as often as they want - the audience finds the new account every time.
Blockchain solutions
- ENS (Ethereum Name Service) - blockchain-based DNS providing resilient redirects. Blocking would require shutting down all Ethereum traffic, making the URL to a website virtually invincible. Think Pirate Bay domain hopping, but with a permanent bookmark that always works.
- IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) - decentralized content storage. Lightweight content (text with minimal images) stored on IPFS benefits from similar invulnerability. Combined with ENS, taking down the content would require bringing down all IPFS nodes.
The Truth Wins is a showcase of how blockchain can go beyond speculation towards freedom of speech and truly borderless journalism.
Results
- 150k+ followers on The Truth Wins social accounts
- 85+ news articles covering the campaign
- +39% donations to Reporters Without Borders
- 24 awards, including several gold
Role
Creative technologist - curated website development and led the blockchain implementation.
Context
Executed in Spring 2022 by Hyperinteractive Innovation Studio in collaboration with DDB agency (initial lottery-numbers concept). The blockchain addition was suggested by Saurabh Kakade, art director at Hyperinteractive.