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U - Universal

Suitable for all

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

PG - Parental Guidance

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

12A/12

Suitable for 12 years and over

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

Suitable only for 15 years and over

No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

Suitable only for adults

No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video work.

R18

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years.

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ videos may not be supplied by mail order.

	BBFC.online Briefing Jan 2010
	BBFC.online rules Edition 2.0 In force 25 Feb 2010
	How to join
	Membership Form
	Content provider licence
	Aggregator licence
	FAQs

Background

Independent research indicates that 63% of adults (74% of parents) are concerned about downloading video material which does not come with independent content advice and labelling. 84% of adults (91% of parents) want to see BBFC film and DVD classification on downloadable / streaming films and other digital audiovisual content.

In response to this public demand, BBFC.online has been designed to give consumers the assurance they seek when choosing new media content. The scheme makes available the BBFC’s trusted and recognised classifications, category symbols and consumer advice for a host of ‘new media’ delivered in new ways, including video on demand, streaming video, download-to-own and portable media devices.

The trust that comes with a properly regulated classification offers the potential for real added value to the industry, and BBFC.online has been developed to be both low cost and easy to implement. The scheme has been developed to enable staggered implementation of digital catalogues.

The Scheme

BBFC.online is a subscription-based membership scheme, (£900 p.a.). There are low-usage options to encourage smaller content providers to join.

Aimed at both distributors (‘content providers’), and the new media distribution channels – download to rent websites, set-top boxes etc, (‘aggregators’). Content providers joining the scheme are encouraged to have their aggregator partners to join the scheme, but selling classified content through aggregators who are not members of the scheme is permitted.

Through the scheme, the BBFC licenses its members to use the following:

Online Classifications
Online Classifications will be available to scheme members where a work has been granted a VRA certificate.

New works: New submissions will have an Online Classification awarded at the completion of the traditional VRA certificate process at no extra charge (‘two for the price of one’).

Old works : Scheme members can also request Online Classifications for catalogue titles which already have a VRA classification. These historical requests will be charged at £45 per title.

Point of Sale Information
Pre-sale information is vital for the consumer when purchasing electronic content from website e-tailers. Aggregators who are members of the scheme will be required to display authentic point of sale information for all works they have in the BBFC.online Scheme. This includes a new take on our familiar branding:

Depending on the distribution channel, the Point-of-Sale information can be a unique rollover link from a classification symbol placed next to a ‘pack shot’, with our BBFC.online branding, details of the classification and Consumer Advice for the particular work, and a clickable link to the BBFC’s website page for that work. Different solutions are available for proprietary distribution channels, such as private network software products or set-top box systems.

Electronic black cards
These reflect the familiarity of our cinema certificates. These are produced by the BBFC and can be affixed to the start of the content file. The consumer gets the trusted ‘look and feel’ of a BBFC classification. Members of the scheme ensure the information contained in these remains linked to the content file as and when the member passes the licensed content to a new aggregator/distribution channel.

Delivery
All of the required information will be available to scheme members electronically; primarily via the BBFC’s extranet. New online classifications are available as fast as existing DVD/ games certificates, and instantly for back-catalogue.

Compliance and Complaint Handling
To ensure that consumers trust the scheme, member adherence to its rules and values is essential, and will be overseen by a compliance process which will look at both content and layout of members’ distribution channels. A full list of compliance issues is included in the Scheme Rules, but includes:

Ensuring age restricted material is properly signposted and subject to gate-keeping
Ensuring customer know how to complain about the service
Making sure that content is properly labelled and linked to the BBFC website
Clear delineation between general and explicit adult material, where both are offered through the same channel (including default ‘safe searching’)
Dealing with complaints from the public appropriately

The compliance team will work with members to ensure that any mistakes or breaches are remedied. Simple errors will simply require correction but where issues remain unresolved, or where serious issues are involved (e.g. selling age restricted works without effective gate-keeping), a range of remedies will be open, including:

Issue of ‘correction notices’ to non-compliant members
Increased / full auditing, charged at BBFC examining rates.
Suspension or ultimately, exclusion from the scheme.

When a member leaves the scheme, their license to use the BBFC’s online materials may expire.

The primary task of the compliance team will be to assist members, rather that identifying chargeable ‘penalties’. The BBFC remains a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation. The success of the scheme does, however, depend heavily on its integrity, and continuing commitment to the rules by members

Meeting and Anticipating Regulatory Requirements

The scheme has been welcomed by DCMS, and anticipates key requirements for non-linear content under the EU’s Audiovisual and Media Services Directive (AVMS).
Independent legal opinion has described the scheme as ‘pro-competitive’ and meeting UK and EU competition law standards

Benefits of the Scheme:

For Consumers:

A recognised and trusted brand when choosing audiovisual content.
Familiar style of advice, signage and guidance, and clear signposts for queries and feedback

For Content Providers:

Demonstrates a clear commitment to continuing consumer information and child protection.
Enables compliance with existing and proposed changes to the regulatory landscape
You decide how much of your catalogue to include in the scheme
Helping you to manage the presentation of your material by licensees

For Resellers / Aggregator / E-tailers

A value added proposition for your distribution channel – BBFC tried and trusted symbols give peace of mind to new and returning customers
A labelling and regulation system that is developed to work with your platform
Assistance with implementation
Constant support with compliance
Easy access to BBFC data

Who Should Join?

The Scheme is open to existing and new BBFC customers wanting to meet the highest standards in regulation and customer reassurance for digital content delivery Please contact us to join, or for further information. BBFC.online team. Tel: 020-7440-0299 or ionline@bbfc.co.uk

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THE KILLER INSIDE ME

Contains very strong violence, sadomasochistic sex scenes and child abuse

Last update 10/03/2010

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Page Printed : Wednesday 10 March 2010