New age ratings body proposed

Julian Brazier MP has presented a bill to create a new industry body, which will work alongside the BBFC in handling age ratings and hearing appeals.

Publishers association ELSPA has reacted to the news by requesting a meeting with the MP to discuss the proposal.

We note with interest the Private Member’s Bill presented today by Julian Brazier MP. This Bill highlights the importance of the classification of the visual entertainment industry,” said an ELSPA statement today.

The correct classification of computer games made for adult consumption – covered by the BBFC – is of the utmost importance to the computer games industry. For this reason ELSPA has recently taken time to give evidence to the Byron review and explain how children can best be protected both on and off line; now and in the future. With this in mind ELSPA will request a meeting with Mr Brazier at the earliest opportunity to share our thoughts on this matter and to ensure that this Bill takes our concerns into account.”