Net downloads to get age ratings

[gkd_uk]

Age ratings for downloaded video content and video games are to be introduced in the UK.

Overseen by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), the scheme will see certificates appear on websites, via set-top boxes and portable players.

Disney, Warners and Fox have signed up to the scheme with other "key industry figures... poised to join the scheme".

The BBFC said independent research showed 74% of parents were concerned about the lack of ratings on downloads.

More than 1,000 videos will have online certificates by the end of May.

The voluntary scheme will also require online services and video on demand schemes to have "age verification or gate-keeping systems in place for parents to monitor and control underage viewing".

Peter Johnson, head of policy at the BBFC, said the body would police the age verification systems.

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[iastaff]

Next thing you know, they will be charging for those certificates and the end user is always going to pick up the tab. This sounds like another profiteering attempt by those in power.