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Age Verification introduced for internet downloads
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has announced plans to classify downloadable and streaming media content. Plans are already underway for a voluntary regulatory scheme, which already has the backing or e-tailers and video on demand suppliers.
The BBFC reports that that over 700 videos now have online certificates, which look similar to the certification used on DVDs, similar to those pictured on the right.
The hope is that these verifications will give clear and independent content information and age restrictions, and become a system that is known, easily recognisable and trusted by consumers. The scheme will also require e-tailers and video on demand providers to have “age verification or gate keeping systems in place for parents to monitor and control underage viewing”.
Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said: “The introduction of the BBFC system for online film downloads will provide some welcome clarity for consumers, to help them gain greater confidence that their purchases are appropriate before they commit themselves”.
192 already provide age verification to a number of e-commerce operators including online gaming sites. More information about verifying customer age online can be found here.
22nd May 2008
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