The game does not use Denuvo or any major anti-tamper technology. As a result, it has been available in a fully playable state (cracked/DRM-free) since its launch in January 2016. Crack Status Overview
In the context of the game, "the paper" usually refers to one of several environmental clues or physical-style puzzles found throughout the island: The Witness Easter Egg - Secret Developer Ending The Witness Crack Status
: It was pirated almost immediately upon release. The game does not use Denuvo or any
: Creator Jonathan Blow famously expressed frustration that the game was the #1 title on popular torrent sites shortly after its debut, noting that high piracy rates could hinder his ability to fund future projects. The Witness Crack Status
: The game is effectively DRM-free or uses only standard Steam/Epic protection.