Supplementary memorandum submitted by
the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification)
Byron recommends (para 7.48) that both physical
form and online games from 12+ upwards should be rated for the
UK by the BBFC. The BBFC would be happy in principle to do this
through the PEGI Online scheme, given that this scheme already
recognises BBFC symbols and ratings, and given Byron's further
recommendation that the BBFC and PEGI should work together to
establish a single set of standards managing the risks of online
gaming (para 8.43). The BBFC did indeed participate in the working
group which developed PEGI Online. Neither the BBFC nor PEGI currently
has statutory powers to classify online games, but the Byron recommendation
could be implemented through co-operative arrangements. In the
absence of such co-operation, the BBFC would wish to see the statutory
powers which it currently exercises for non-exempt physical form
games extended to cover online games of 12+ and upwards.
May 2008
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