The British Board of Film Classification extended its official reach into games and online content regulation today by launching its new BBFC Online classification scheme. According to Jemima (Guardian):
The new online scheme features the eight familiar BBFC ratings symbols including U, 15 and 18 seen in cinemas and on DVD releases. ... Companies that sign up to BBFC Online will have to provide age verification tools as part of the scheme, reflecting steps taken recently by social networking sites to protect younger web users from inappropriate content.
Parents will also be offered "gate keeping" systems to control their children's access to material.
And according to Darren (BBC):
The scheme could also be rolled out to include online services such as Microsoft's Xbox Live, Sony's PlayStation Network and Nintendo's WiiWare, all of which offer video and games for download.
This move reflects the anticipated next step on the part of the regulation body after announcements earlier this year, and in response to the Byron Review published at the end of March. The games reviews are intended to work in conjunction with the existing classification system offered by the pan-European voluntary group PEGI.
