A fast track Bill
to restore public protections around the supply and classification
of age-rated films and video games is published today.
The Video Recordings Bill is designed to correct an anomaly that
means the Video Recordings Act 1984 is not currently enforceable
in UK courts. The problem came to light in August 2009 when it was
discovered there had been a failure to make a necessary technical
notification to the European Commission before the 1984 Act became law.
Creative Industries Minister Siôn Simon said:
“This Bill is essential to ensure proper protection of the public
from inappropriate content in video recordings and boxed video games.
“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 Bill was introduced in the House of Commons today and is
available at: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2009-10/videorecordings.html
Notes to Editors
1. The Video Recordings Act (VRA) 1984 introduced a system of
classification for video films and some video games and a series
of offences concerning the supply of classified videos and video
games to persons under certain ages. The VRA also contains
offences concerning the supply of unclassified material.
2. During preparations for the Digital Economy Bill in August
2009, the Government became aware that the VRA 1984 was no longer
enforceable in UK law because of a failure to notify the European
Commission of the Act’s provisions in draft under the Technical
Standards Directive.
3. The Bill was notified to the European Commission on 10
September 2009 and the three month notification period expired on
11 December 2009. Subject to any comments from Member States, the
notified provisions may then be brought into law after that date.
The Government has introduced the Bill as fast-track legislation
as soon as possible after the 11 December deadline in order to
ensure that the important public protections contained in the 1984
Act can be enforced.
4. The Government plans to amend the VRA 1984 in the Digital
Economy Bill to introduce a new system of classification for boxed
video games. The VRA 1984 cannot be amended until it has been
revived by the Bill. Details of the Digital Economy Bill can be
found at http://interactive.bis.gov.uk/digitalbritain/digital-economy-bill/
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