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Apparently UK Game Ratings were Never Enforcable, for 25 entire years.

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Yuikiko

Posted: Aug 25 2009, 03:08 PM

Mah Boi, this holiday is what all true emperors Strive For!
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http://www.gamepolitics.com/2009/08/25/oop...nforceable-1984

QUOTE

In the UK, 25 years worth of government enforcement of content ratings for video games and films has been found to lack the required legal basis.

As reported by politics.co.uk, the Maggie Thatcher regime failed to notify the European Commission regarding the 1984 Video Recordings Act, thus invalidating the law.

In the UK, unlike the United States, content ratings have the force of law and those who sell adult-rated games or movies to minors can be charged with an offense. The oversight was discovered recently by the British government's Department for Culture Media and Sport.

A representative of the UK's Entertainment Retailers Association expressed amazement at the news:

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This is extraordinary. For 25 years retailers have been faithfully administering the system and now this happens.

Meanhwile, Liberal Democrat Don Foster seized the opportunity to criticize Conservative Party leader David Cameron:

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This must be a massive embarrassment to the Tories, especially as David Cameron was the special advisor to the Home Secretary in 1993 when the law was amended.

However, Conservative Jeremy Hunt pointed the finger of blame back at the Labor Government:

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Much of the problem would have been avoided if they had sorted out the classification of video games earlier, as we and many others in the industry have been urging them to do.

Game publishers lobbying group ELSPA has counseled its members to proceed normally and offered to help the government fix the mistake. As reported by gamesindustry.biz, ELSPA boss Michael Rawlinson said:

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The discovery that the Video Recordings Act is not enforceable is obviously very surprising. In the interest of child safety it is essential that this loophole is closed as soon as possible.

In this respect the videogames industry will do all it can to support and assist the government to that effect. ELSPA will therefore advise our members to continue to forward games to be rated as per the current agreement while the legal issues are being resolved.

Theoretically, at least, unscrupulous sellers have a 90-day window to peddle adult content to children. It will take the government at least that long to push through a revision to the VRA.

Somehow possibly ironic.

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William	Posted: Aug 25 2009, 03:13 PM
WHAT IT DO WHAT IT DO Group: Members Posts: 1424 Member No.: 1163 Joined: 13-June 05 Status: (0d)	The ESRB here in the US is like that as well. You don't have to use the rating system. Good luck finding a brick and mouter store that'll carry your title though.. The MPAA is the same, but they just shove unrated films in the back of the store, or in adult video stores...even when they're not "adult" Kinda funny though. -------------------- RE-DESIGN MY BOOK COVER!! CHECK OUT MY DEVIANTART (Clicky Click)

Starmang	Posted: Aug 25 2009, 03:30 PM
Why hello there, you should meet me halfway Group: Members Posts: 2004 Member No.: 4963 Joined: 29-February 08 Status: (0d)	I don't get it -------------------- sorry pip but i love coono too much

Pikax

Posted: Aug 25 2009, 03:34 PM

ERROR! One or more logical fallacies detected!
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QUOTE

Theoretically, at least, unscrupulous sellers have a 90-day window to peddle adult content to children.

In before 12-year-olds start buying porn films.

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Tri	Posted: Aug 25 2009, 03:45 PM
Courtesy of DJ Elly. (lol jsr) Group: Moderators Posts: 11832 Member No.: 836 Joined: 17-February 05 Status: (0d)	I'm posting because I have yet to find a legitimate reason for anyone smart enough not to let their kids play 'inappropriate' games to care. -------------------- a more suitable ref (sunglasses not compulsory!) bye oldmfgg ;O;

violadude

Posted: Aug 25 2009, 04:16 PM

Deep undercover
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QUOTE (Starmang @ Aug 25 2009, 08:30 PM)

I don't get it

basically, a law was put in force 25 years ago to stop 12 year olds from buying 18 rated games and shiz.
because they failed to notify the proper people, it hasnt actually been a law, and as such, people have been put in jail and prosecuted for things that arent actually illegal.
essentially i could walk into a store tomorrow, pick up bioshock or gta or porn or whatever, and the cashier could legally sell it to me and not be prosecuted, even though im not eighteen.

chavs everywhere rejoice, for they no longer need an there mothers to buy them gta

Starmang

Posted: Aug 25 2009, 04:22 PM

Why hello there, you should meet me halfway
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QUOTE (violadude @ Aug 25 2009, 10:16 PM)

Ah, I see.

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sorry pip but i love coono too much

GeneralGuy	Posted: Aug 25 2009, 04:30 PM
ShyGuy Leader Group: Members Posts: 11192 Member No.: 2505 Joined: 15-August 06 Status: (0d)	Regulations in relation to games aren't enforced quite well in Europe, apparently. --------------------