Government fast-tracking VRA fix

The Department for Culture, Media And Sport has revealed that it is to fast-track a Bill through Parliament that will close the loophole in the Video Recordings Act 1984 that meant it was no longer illegal to sell adult movies and games to children.

Dubbed The Video Recordings Bill, the new legislation will once again give courts the power to prosecute those who sell material inappropriately. It was introduced in the House of Commons earlier today.

This Bill is essential to ensure proper protection of the public from inappropriate content in video recordings and boxed video games,” Creative Industries Minister Sin Simon stated.

The purpose of the Bill is simply to repeal and revive the existing provisions of the Video Recordings Act 1984 in order to make the criminal offences in the 1984 Act enforceable.

Since this historic problem emerged in the summer, retailers have shown a highly commendable sense of responsibility by continuing to observe the age ratings system on a voluntary basis.”

The government intends to amend he original Video Recordings Act in due course and will at the same time make changes to accommodate the upcoming classification revamp for video games.