Information For All: Broadcast Service DW and Designer Marco Scaiano Combat Media Censorship With New Collection
Photos: DW + Marco Scaiano
Even as a journalist, I’m guilty of taking my access to media for granted. Frankly, it’s difficult to imagine a world without independent media access (or TikTok, even), but for many people, that world is a reality. In many nations—China, Iran, and North Korea, just to name a few—online media access is heavily restricted by the government. Freedom of speech is not protected by law in these countries. And in an effort to suppress protests, access to global independent news organizations is heavily restricted.
Berlin designer Marco Scaiano and German news broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) are shedding a light on global media censorship with a new apparel collection named the “Uncensored Collection”. Stitched inside of every garment are hidden tags with a QR code and instructions to circumvent media censorship printed on top. Scanning this QR code allows users to access a TOR browser, which encrypts your browsing data and hides your IP address. From there, users can safely access the world wide web without fear of punishment.
The collection includes three long sleeve pullovers, a short sleeve tee, and a graphic tote. Censorship imagery, including black-out censor bars, jumbled letters, and mouths taped and sewn shut, is carried throughout the collection.Proceeds from the release will benefit the Committee to Protect Journalists, a nonprofit that promotes worldwide press freedom.
"Freedom is stitched into everything we do," says Guido Baumhauer, managing director of distribution, marketing and technology at DW. "The Uncensored Collection reflects our fight against censorship and our support for freedom of expression worldwide."
Check out images of the collection, as well as the campaign video, down below.
Where can I buy the DW x Marco Scaiano “Uncensored Collection” collection?
Information for all.
The full DW x Marco Scaiano “Uncensored Collection” is available now over on the Marco Scaiano site. While the site prices its items in euros, Marco Scaiano ships worldwide. The three long sleeve pullovers cost roughly $64 USD, the short sleeve tee costs about $43 USD, and the tote costs $16 USD.
Click the button below to shop the collection.