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Old 27th December 2009, 06:07 PM   #4
Mario
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Post United Kingdom: BBFC

What is the BBFC?

The British Board of Film Classification is an independent, non-governmental body, which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912, and videos since the passing of the Video Recordings Act in 1984.
The BBFC is funded through the fees it charges to those who submit films and video works for classification. Here, and throughout the Guidelines, video works are taken to include video games, and films and programmes released on DVD or Blu-ray, or distributed by means of download or streaming on the internet. The BBFC classifies films on behalf of the local authorities who license cinemas under the Licensing Act 2003. The BBFC classifies video works which are released as video recordings under the Video Recordings Act 1984. (The video games covered by the VRA are those whose exemption is forfeited under section 2(2) because they depict human sexual activity, gross violence or other matters of concern.) The BBFC classifies video works which are distributed other than as a video recording (for example, by means of download or streaming over the internet) under a voluntary scheme called BBFC.online.

The BBFC will not classify material which it believes to be in breach of the criminal law.
Where possible the BBFC will carry out its responsibilities through appropriate use of the classification categories, particularly in order to protect children from any harm which may be caused. If necessary, however, the BBFC may cut or even reject a film or video work. The BBFC’s approach to material which is unacceptable at any category is set out in the ‘Intervention’ section of these Guidelines on page 32. In line with domestic administrative law principles and the requirements of the Human Rights Act 1998, there is a particular need to make the classification criteria clear. This is fulfilled by the publication of these Guidelines and their availability on the BBFC website or directly from the BBFC. The BBFC Classification Guidelines reflect all these considerations and are the product of public consultation with children and adults, research and the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years.

The Guidelines, and the BBFC’s practice in applying them, have particular regard to any changes in public taste, attitudes and concerns; changes in the law; or new evidence from research or expert sources; and will be reviewed periodically.
The Guidelines, however, are not a legal document and should be interpreted in the spirit of what is intended as well as in the letter. They cannot be a comprehensive account of everything that may at any time be of concern. Should issues arise which are not specifically covered here, they will be dealt with by the BBFC on their merits and in line with the standards expressed and implied in these Guidelines.

Responsibility for the Guidelines and for their interpretation rests with the BBFC and is subject to normal considerations of fairness and reasonableness.
The BBFC undertakes to provide guidance on the interpretation of these Guidelines on request. Before allowing a child to view a work, parents are advised to consider carefully the classification, together with any accompanying Consumer Advice.



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