As Predicted - 2257 Hits The UK

[Lee]

It has been in place since 1912, but the remit of the British Board of Film Classification is about to update for the 21st century - so it can classify internet content as well as cinema films.

Disclosures released last week under the Freedom of Information Act reportedly reveal cinema-style ratings could be at the gateways of online material as early as next month.

The system, which is likely to apply to material that would previously be delivered in physical film or DVD formats, represents the first time a British watchdog has tried to regulate online content.

But speaking last month, officials at the British Board of Film Classification said piloting ratings online, such as R18, did not mean it was “seeking an open-ended regulatory role” on the Web.

The ratings would apply to a range of audio-visual content, from family entertainment to adult titles, and could also cover online games, the BBFC said at the time.

Yesterday, the sex industry was reported to be backing an online version of R18, which normally applies only to material bought in sex shops or cinemas, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

The paper, which has seen details of the Board’s ratings system in letters to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, said the regulatory move is an attempt to protect children from hardcore porn and violence.

To this end, it is expected that porn and graphic material would be labelled unsuitable for children, and would-be viewers would need to verify their age.

Access to such adult material would reportedly be through a “landing page,” which like the BBFC’s ‘black card’ system would contain warnings before any of the content is accessible.

Surveys commissioned by the Board found 84% of Brits would like to see cinema-style ratings applied to film downloads – a move its surveys show would be welcomed by nine out of ten parents.

http://www.contractoruk.com/news/003313.html

The good thing about this however, is that most webmasters in the UK, myself included when i was living there, already followed the BBFC guidelines in terms of the content we utilized on our websites so this really shouldnt have any significant effect on the business of those webmasters playing it safe and not trying to push the limits in terms of models ages or the type of niches they are promoting.

It just seems weird that it was only last week i mentioned it wouldnt be long until these types of 2257 regulations came in to effect although to be fair, it has less to do with the age of models than the 'type' of content being used but still, models who look young would more than likely be labelled as obscene under these new regulations so if you have a twink or teen site that has a tour with models that look younger than 18, you are gonna be in for a rough ride

Regards,

Lee

[marcjacob]

I havnt fully looked into this, but im not sure their saying that at all. As i understand it, they are wanting us to verify age and flash warning before the surfer reaches any explicit content. They are not talking about age anywhere from what ive seen so far.

The problem i have with this, is that it could be in place very quickly. If you have hundreds or thousands of domains to update, that could be a problem.

If it is just having a warning and asking the surfers age, i dont see a massive problem with that.

[Chilihost]

I don't read this as uk-2257 either, 2257 is much harsher and the big issue so far has seemed to be the documentation requirements.

[attis]

I'd recommend to use only pics of models with a full grown beard on any teen (am I still allowed to use the term teen?) or twink site, because any model with just a mustache could be considered below legal age. I've just seen a couple of 17 year olds in my neighborhood wearing mustaches. But then, what do I know how exactly an 18 year old does look...

[marcjacob]

LOL great reply. Being serious for a second more, im not sure that the BBFC has any duristiction over image content.

Im not sure.. but i think its movies only.

Im thinking i may see a UK solicitor about this.

[Lee]

LOL great reply. Being serious for a second more, im not sure that the BBFC has any duristiction over image content.

The BBFC classifies movies, video games, magazines and music all of which incorporates adult and kid friendly content.

All they are doing is including the web within their classification categories which as i mentioned above, most responsible webmasters in the UK have using for many, many years when it comes to the content they publish on their sites.

Most adult content you find these days would actually fall under an R18 or R21 rating from the BBFC, and a lot of content, would actually be classified as obscene by the BBFC because it breaks their regular rules and regulations of what can/cant be distributed.

Even the law angencies in the UK refer to the BBFC guidelines in terms of obscenity prosecutions of which there have been quite a few.

Regards,

Lee

[marcjacob]

Thanks Lee, i knew about games and film, i didnt know about mags. I think I need more info on what they are suggesting. I am worried about this tbh. If its just a warning page and a request for age, who cares, but if they want movies and pics to be actually certified that could cause problems, as presumably there will a charge for that.

[Lee]

Thanks Lee, i knew about games and film, i didnt know about mags. I think I need more info on what they are suggesting. I am worried about this tbh. If its just a warning page and a request for age, who cares, but if they want movies and pics to be actually certified that could cause problems, as presumably there will a charge for that.

There would be a charge if they have to be 'classified' and they could still be refused calssification.

Any 'digital' content sold or purchased in the UK needs to have a BBFC classification or needs to have a 'not rated' label (thats my understanding).

Regards,

Lee