Misplaced Pages

#7992

67-448: The LSF reviews all media content to determine their suitability for public viewing. If the content contains scenes that are considered violent, sexually explicit, politically sensitive, or portrays non-educational themes (e.g. suicide as the solution), the LSF has the authority to require edits and even block the content from release. The LSF assigns age-based ratings to films that indicate

134-411: A minor or an adult who would take offence if sold as an unrestricted publication. Publication classifications are most commonly applied to magazines with visual depictions of nudity or sexual activity, such as many men's magazines . It is uncommon for these ratings to appear on books, even those dealing with adult themes, except in the most controversial cases. [REDACTED] Unrestricted with

201-496: A certain rating. Films passed for exhibition are awarded one of the following classifications: The Iraqi film rating system is declared by the Ministry of Information and Culture . It is against the law for an underage person to enter restricted films at the cinemas, even with their parents, where a proof of identity may be required. Australian Classification Board The Australian Classification Board ( ACB or CB )

268-554: A festival or screening. The Commonwealth Film Censorship Board was created in 1917 to view, classify, and censor films imported from overseas. In the early years of the system there were 3 ratings: All ratings were advisory in nature and while distributors were required to display them on advertising, there were no restrictions on children's attendance. As such, films with adult ratings were still routinely censored. Customs Minister Don Chipp announced significant classification reform in 1970, including published decision registrars and

335-508: A film ratings system under which films are classified. All the ratings contain the phrase "gemäß §14 JuSchG" (in accordance with §14 of the Youth Protection Law ), signifying that they are legally binding for minors. Cinemas may legally exhibit films without a classification but minors are prohibited from such screenings. The FSK rating also limits the time of the day in which the movie may be aired on free-to-air TV stations to

402-534: A home video format in Brazil must be submitted for classification to the advisory rating ( Classificação Indicativa , abbreviated ClassInd), which is run by the Brazilian Ministry of Justice ( Ministério da Justiça ). Under 10s must always be accompanied by an adult guardian, even for films rated L. Anyone below the film's minimum age can watch it if accompanied or allowed by the parent or guardian who

469-493: A legal obligation to enforce restrictive ratings. In some countries such as Australia, Canada, and Singapore, an official government body decides on ratings; in other countries such as Denmark, Japan, and the United States, it is done by industry committees with little if any official government status. In most countries, however, films that are considered morally offensive have been censored, restricted, or banned. Even if

536-502: A person under 15 without guidance because it is not a legally restricted category, when the impact of its material is higher than that of PG material. There is a confusion for people that comes from knowing the suited audience for PG , M and MA 15+ films and games due to their definitions that revolve around 15 years of age. The notes in the guidelines that come with the PG , M and MA ratings should be read like this: In February 2020,

603-452: A provincial responsibility, and each province has its own legislation, rules and regulations regarding rating, exhibition and admission. Ratings are required for theatrical exhibition, but not all provinces require classification for home video. In the past there was a wide range of rating categories and practices in the various provinces; however, the seven rating systems—with the exception of Quebec—now all use categories and logos derived from

670-580: A public forum, opposition leader Tony Abbott was asked a question about his views on the absence of an R 18+ rating for video games and whether he had any policies relating to the subject, saying, "if what happens with video games is not roughly analogous to what happens in other areas, that seems silly ... Instinctively I'm with you, and it's something I'd be happy to look at, if we are in Government." In December 2010, Attorney General Robert McClelland appeared to be moving on this issue following

737-665: A rating and in such instances must be labelled a "15" (restricted to people aged 15 and above). Children aged 7 and above may attend any performance—including those restricted to older audiences—if they are accompanied by an adult. Film classification in Estonia is regulated by the Child Welfare Act. In Fiji, films are classified by the Fijian Censors Board: Films in Finland are classified by

SECTION 10

#1732772516008

804-530: A recommendation by the classification of the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC). In some cases, films may be classified as "pornographic films or those containing an incitement to violence" or completely prohibited from screening. A certificate will be granted from the following: The Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft (Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry, FSK) has

871-578: A time frame between 22:00 (FSK 16) or 23:00 (FSK 18) and 6:00. Stations are permitted to broadcast films not approved for audiences under 12 at their own discretion. In Ghana, films are classified by the Film Classification Committee: All publicly released films must be submitted to the Youth Committee for classification. There are four categories: Films intended for public exhibition have to be submitted to

938-530: A warning, as unrestricted mature . In February 2020, the board proposed to remove the reference to 15 years for PG and M classifications and simply just refer to the severity of the material. This is due to a confusion that is caused by each of the categories citing to a 15-year-old, in addition to both the PG and M content not being recommended for persons under 15 years. The age reference created confusion for parents and guardians, creating some questions, such as why an M level film can still be accessed by

1005-482: Is a legal age restriction on certain types of content i.e. discrimination, sexual abuse, glorification of violence etc. In addition to the ABMC's age recommendations, in the state of Vienna children under the age of 6 are only permitted to attend public film performances if they are accompanied. The AMBC issues age recommendation from the following categories: The Bahamas Plays and Films Control Board classifies films in

1072-507: Is able to effectively censor media by refusing classification and making the media illegal for hire, exhibition and importation to Australia. The classification system has several levels of "restricted" categories, prohibiting sale, exhibition or use of some materials to those who are under a prescribed age. Some films (those made for educational or training purposes, for instance) are exempt from classification under certain conditions. Film festivals and institutions such as Australian Centre for

1139-640: Is an Australian government statutory body responsible for the classification and censorship of films, television programmes, video games and publications for exhibition, sale or hire in Australia. The ACB was established in 1917 as the Commonwealth Film Censorship Board. In 1988 it was incorporated for administrative purposes into the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC), until its dissolution in 2006. Following

1206-473: Is at least 18 years old, except for those rated 18, which can only be allowed for teenagers aged 16+. Unlike many countries, the ClassInd does not have any legal right to ban, demand cuts or refuse to rate any film. The ClassInd uses the following system: There are also operational descriptions of attenuating and aggravating elements that can interfere on the final rating. The Bulgarian film rating system

1273-747: Is defined in the Film Industry Act of 2003 and administered by the National Film Rating Committee. Since then, two more restrictive ratings (C+ and D+) have been added to the system: In Cambodia, the Department of Movies and Promotion of Culture at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA) classifies films for exhibition in cinemas and on home media under the following age categories: Film ratings in Canada are

1340-419: Is in its context), sex (intercourse and references to sex), language (the level of coarse language), drug use (the use of, and references to, drugs) and nudity (the explicitness of nudity). Consumer advice appears with the classification symbol on products, packaging and in advertisements. Consumer advice is not given if the element in question would be acceptable at a lower classification. By August 2020,

1407-412: Is justified by the story-line or themes. The ACB decides what consumer advice accompanies each classification. They indicate the elements in films and computer games which caused the classification and help consumers make choices about what they read, view or play. There are six classifiable elements for films: themes (rape, suicide, racism, etc.), violence (the level of violence and how threatening it

SECTION 20

#1732772516008

1474-533: Is not suggesting that the new PG-13 rating would be applied retrospectively, but rather prospectively, as was the case when the MA 15+ category was initiated and when the R 18+ was adopted for video games. The ACB is also not planning to use the PG-13 title for the new classification category, but a title that does not reference any age, such as YP for "young person" (or, likely, T for "teenager"). The ACB considers

1541-626: Is regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Film classification also normally applies to Internet streaming services. In January 2019, for the first time, Netflix was given the go-ahead to self-regulate film and television classification on its streaming platform, allowing the company to rank content between G and R 18+ . The classifications below are unrestricted and may suggest parental advisory , but do not otherwise impose any legal restrictions on access to or distribution of material. By contrast,

1608-709: Is responsible for certifying films meant for public exhibition. Motion pictures shown in Indonesia must undergo reviewing by the Film Censorship Agency of the Republic of Indonesia ( Indonesian : Lembaga Sensor Film , LSF). Other than issuing certificates, the LSF also reviews and issues permits for film-related advertising, such as movie trailers and posters. Since the late 2000s, LSF has no authority to cut scenes from films, but it may suggest cuts to distributors in order for it to issue certificates in

1675-639: The Australian Classification Review Board . The ACB now operates under the Commonwealth Classification Act 1995 . The ACB is made up of a director, a deputy director, and three other board members, appointed by the government for three- or four-year terms, and temporary board members. The ACB is located in Sydney. The ACB does not directly censor material by ordering cuts or changes. However, it

1742-554: The Canadian Home Video Rating System (CHVRS). The categories are mostly identical to the CHVRS with a few minor variations. In the provinces that require classification of video formats, supply of 14A and 18A films is restricted to customers above those ages. In the case of theatre exhibition, children are admitted to 14A if accompanied by an adult. In British Columbia , Saskatchewan (administered by

1809-732: The Kvikmyndaskoðun system in Iceland. In October 2013, FRÍSK announced that it was adopting a new system similar to the Netherlands' Kijkwijzer at least through 2016. The Icelandic ratings system also provides an "18" rating in addition to the Kijkwijzer ratings. Under Icelandic law, minors aged 14-years-old and over may be admitted to a film carrying a higher age rating if accompanied by an adult. The ratings are as follows: In India, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

1876-568: The National Audiovisual Institute . A minor up to 3 years younger than the age limit is permitted to see a film in a cinema when accompanied by an adult, except for 18-rated films. Films with an age rating may contain an additional marker for violence, sex, fear, or substance abuse. The ratings are as follows: Prior to showing in theatres, a distribution certificate must be obtained from the Ministry of Culture . The Minister will decide which certificate to issue based on

1943-629: The National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) issues ratings for films based on the following categories: The Classification Board and Classification Review Board are government-funded organisations which classify all films that are released for public exhibition. Films intended to inform, educate or instruct or concerned with sport, religion or music are exempt from classification provided they do not contain material that would result in an "M" rating or higher if submitted for classification. Motion pictures are rated by

2010-528: The R 18+ classification for video games; however, NSW Attorney-General Greg Smith abstained from the vote. The Home Affairs Minister, Brendan O'Connor , said the federal government would over-ride NSW and implement the R 18+ rating regardless of its decision and would be officially available before the end of 2011. On 10 August the NSW Attorney General agreed on the R 18+ ; thus, the rating would be accepted and available to all states before

2077-623: The ACB added another category for video games related to microtransactions , with any game including them listing in-game purchases alongside these other themes. The ACB also classifies material submitted by the police, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Australian Communications and Media Authority . The board does not classify live performances, audio CDs and television shows. Television

Film Censorship Board - Misplaced Pages Continue

2144-539: The Austrian Board of Media Classification (ABMC) for the Federal Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (Bundesministerium für Unterricht, Kunst und Kultur). The recommendations made by the ABMC are generally not legally binding and there are nine sets of state laws on the cinema sector with different age provisions. The only exception is in the case of "16" rated films, since under Austrian law there

2211-759: The Bahamas. Upon completion of the examination the Board will classify the film in accordance with the following ratings: In Barbados, films are classified by the Film Censorship Board (FCB): On 8 January 2020, Belgium adopted the Dutch Kijkwijzer classification system. Belgium had previously used a basic two-tier system, in place since 1 September 1920. Until January 2020, classifications for films publicly exhibited in Belgium were issued by

2278-599: The British Columbia Film Classification Office), Alberta and Ontario children are also admitted to 18A films if accompanied. However, children under the age of 14 are prohibited to view 18A films in the Manitoba and Maritime provinces even if accompanied by an adult. The Maritimes and British Columbia (along with Saskatchewan) also provide an "A" classification for adult content. Some provinces, such as Nova Scotia, reserve

2345-698: The Cook Islands Censorship Office in accordance with the Film and Censorship Act 1985. The following four classifications are used: The Censorship Office does not define the age for a "mature audience", but its television code—which uses the same ratings—defines a child as "under 15 years". In Costa Rica, films are classified by the Ministry of Justice and Peace: In Denmark, the Media Council for Children and Young People currently rates films. Films do not have to be submitted for

2412-692: The Council of Cinematographic Classification ( Consejo de Calificación Cinematográfica ) which is a central agency under the Ministry of Education. In 2002 legislation was enacted which reversed the ban on all 1,090 films that had previously been banned in Chile. The current age ratings (enacted in 2002) are: The age ratings may also be supplemented by the following content categories: Minors are allowed to watch cinematographic productions rated in an immediately higher category than their age if accompanied by any of their parents, guardians, or their teachers within

2479-614: The Director of Film, Newspaper and Article Administration, who is the Film Censorship Authority (FCA) under the Ordinance, for approval. Films approved for public exhibition are then either classified or exempted from classification. Of the four levels, Categories I, II A , and II B are unrestricted. Only Category III is a restricted category and regulated by the government. Hungarian ratings are decided by

2546-492: The Inter-Community Commission for Film Rating ( Dutch : Intergemeenschapscommissie voor de Filmkeuring ; French : Commission Intercommunautaire de Contrôle des Films ). Films were prohibited to minors under the age of 16 unless passed by the commission. There is no mandatory rating system for video formats but 90% of video distribution abides by the voluntary Belgium Video Federation. It was basically

2613-500: The Moving Image (ACMI) may apply to the ACB for an exemption from classification for the purpose of screening at a particular film festival or event. If the ACB believes an unclassified work, in their estimation, would receive an X 18+ classification if it were to be classified they would not grant an exemption for public screening, as an X 18+ cannot be exhibited. The ACB may require film festivals to have age-restricted entrance to

2680-596: The National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH): All ratings are advisory except the "X" classification. The current one is the third motion picture rating system in Hungary. The first system existed between 1965 and 2004, and was administered by the Ministry for National Cultural Heritage and its predecessors. Its categories were "Without age restriction", "Not recommended below age of 14", "Above age of 16 only", and "Above age of 18 only". A second system

2747-479: The basis that the R 18+ rating did not apply to video games at the time. This was the subject of complaint in the gaming community, who argued that there is no reason why adults should be prevented from seeing content in games that they could see in a film. One of the main opponents to the introduction of an R 18+ rating for video games was the former South Australian Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson , who vetoed every attempt to include one. On 11 August 2010, at

Film Censorship Board - Misplaced Pages Continue

2814-554: The board had suggested the adoption of a PG-13 -type classification category, which is a rating aimed at young teens (between PG and M ), that addresses the mild+ impact level material. Its adoption was suggested because many films in recent years surpass what conforms to the PG rating and are, consequentially, pushed up into an M ("moderate impact") rating category due to their dark themes and peril, despite being films aimed at younger teens. The mild+ category, if introduced, could excel

2881-529: The classifications below are legally restricted , as explicitly indicated by the black banner at the bottom of the classification label. It is illegal to sell or exhibit material with these classifications to anyone younger than the stated minimum age. Publications such as books and magazines (though they would also include other printed media such as calendars, cards and catalogues) are required to be classified if they contain depictions or descriptions of sexuality, drugs, nudity or violence that are unsuitable for

2948-662: The consumer advice M (Mature) The restricted publications are for adults and they are not to be sold to people under 18 (and in Queensland under state law). They have content, such as nudity or explicit sexual content, that could offend some sections of the adult community. The restricted categories are subject to various restrictions in different states; for example, one or both categories may only be sold in adults-only premises in certain states. For this reason, some adult magazines are published in two editions in Australia, or just one edited edition which can be sold anywhere with

3015-570: The content should be restricted only to persons over the age of 18. A separate classification system was introduced in 1994 for computer and video games. Despite its use of similar ratings names, these were backed by a distinct and stricter set of guidelines. The OFLC Annual Report for 1993-94 cited ministerial concern that "games, because of the “interactive” nature, may have greater impact, and therefore greater potential for harm or detriment, on young minds than film or videotape". The 4 ratings were: In 2005, video and computer games became subject to

3082-494: The costs of video game developers as they seek to obtain ratings for their products that are distributed digitally online. The board operates on a procedure that primarily involves decision-making . The members must communicate their views clearly and appreciate the views of others. Board members would be exposed to a wide range of material, including content that is confronting and offensive. Every film and computer game has to be classified before it can be legally made available to

3149-593: The desired rating is not obtained, especially to avoid a higher rating than intended. A film may also be re-edited to produce a different version for other countries. A comparison of current film rating systems, showing age on the horizontal axis. Note however that the specific criteria used in assigning a classification can vary widely from one country to another. Therefore, the color codes and age ranges are not directly comparable from one country to another. Key: Through its Advisory Commission of Cinematographic Exhibition ( Comisión Asesora de Exhibición Cinematográfica )

3216-458: The end of 2011. As of 1 January 2013, the R 18+ rating has been officially implemented for video games although it is apparently not being used to full effect as many games are still being refused classification . The first game to be released with an R 18+ rating was Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus . The game Saints Row IV became the first game to be refused classification under the new standard on 25 June 2013. State of Decay became

3283-507: The film glorifies violence or drug use, whether said violence or drug use is carried out by the protagonist, with whom the viewer should empathize, or by the antagonist. In Germany, for example, films depicting explicit war violence in a real war context (such as the Second World War) are handled more leniently than films with purely fictional settings. A film may be produced with a particular rating in mind. It may be re-edited if

3350-417: The film rating system has no legal consequences, and a film has not explicitly been restricted or banned, there are usually laws forbidding certain films, or forbidding minors to view them. The influence of specific factors in deciding a rating varies from country to country. Other factors may or may not influence the classification process, such as being set within a non-fictional historical context, whether

3417-485: The framework of their educational activities. This rule does not apply to films with pornographic or excessively violent content. Furthermore, films with pornographic content may only be exhibited at venues licensed for that purpose. In 2005, the Ministry of Culture issued its new rating system. The classifications are: In the Cook Islands , publications such as films, TV shows and video games are classified by

SECTION 50

#1732772516008

3484-600: The legislative changes enacted in the Commonwealth Classification Act 1995 , it became known as the Classification Board . The Department of Communications and the Arts provided administrative support to the ACB from 2006 until 2020, when it was merged into the 'mega department' of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications . Decisions made by the ACB may be reviewed by

3551-441: The mild impact level ( PG ), but not so as to require a mature perspective ( M classification) and it could be relevant for films with a more significant amount of action or fantasy violence. If the rating is implemented, the non-restricted classifications would read like this: This would mean the age restrictive numbers (15 and 18) would only be present for the legally-restricted categories of MA 15+ , R 18+ and X 18+ . The ACB

3618-517: The present classification categories for publications to be redundant, complex, and inappropriate for the digital world. Therefore, the board has proposed the creation of the equivalent film and games classifications of M , R 18+ and X 18+ for publications, like: Video gaming censorship in Australia is considered to be one of the strictest in the Western world. Such controversial and noteworthy cases include: Many games were banned before 2011 on

3685-1147: The public sector with expertise in fields like education, culture, law, information technology, and religion, and 5 from government institutions covering education, culture, communication, religion, and the creative economy. The board elects a chairperson and vice-chairperson; the chairperson oversees LSF operations and represents the institution. A secretariat, led by a secretary, is tasked with administrative and technical support, handling planning, resource management, and general affairs. Motion picture content rating system A motion picture content rating system classifies films based on their suitability for audiences due to their treatment of issues such as sex, violence, or substance abuse, their use of profanity, or other matters typically deemed unsuitable for children or adolescents. Most countries have some form of rating system that issues determinations variously known as certifications , classifications , certificates , or ratings . Age recommendations, of either an advisory or restrictive capacity, are often applied in lieu of censorship ; in some jurisdictions movie theaters may have

3752-530: The public. Filmmakers who disagree with censorship outcomes can engage in discussions with the censorship board. If a resolution is not reached, the issue is taken to a higher committee or a full plenary session . Since 2017, the LSF has held the Anugerah Lembaga Sensor Film, an annual award ceremony recognizing films and TV shows that uphold censorship standards and national values. The LSF board consists of 17 members in total, 12 from

3819-624: The public. Some publications also need to be classified. Failure to give classification (especially for unclassified material that is likely to be classified RC) is an implicit ban (except for exempt films, games, and publications). It is an offence "to display, demonstrate, sell, hire, publicly exhibit or advertise a film or computer game" without having it classified. Some films and documentaries (such as current affairs and those created for business, scientific and education purposes) are exempt from classification unless, if classified, they would be M or above. There are legal age restrictions for

3886-443: The ratings of MA 15+ and R 18+ . X 18+ is a special restriction rating for adult content. X 18+ is limited only to films, and the highest rating for video games remains R 18+ . Should a game contain content not suitable for or exceeding the boundaries of an R 18+ rating (often explicit sexual content or nudity), that game is usually either modified (censored) or, rarely, refused classification (banned) (an exception to this

3953-530: The release of telephone poll results conducted by the Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O'Connor, showing roughly 80% in support of an R 18+ classification. On 22 July 2011, at a meeting of state and territories' attorneys general, an agreement was reached for the introduction of an R 18+ classification. It was planned to introduce the rating towards the end of 2011. On 22 July 2011, a meeting of attorneys-general produced an in-principle agreement to introduce

4020-490: The requirement of cinemas to legally restrict attendees. This ushered in a new era of film classification rather than censorship, and was enacted in 1971. The new ratings introduced were: In 1984, the NRC rating was renamed PG, due to confusion from parents about whether its content was stronger than M. In 1993, The MA 15+ rating was introduced to flag content that was too strong for the M classification, but not so much so that

4087-571: The right to prohibit films altogether. In general, the categories are: In Quebec , the provincial Ministry of Culture and Communications (and until 2017 the Régie du cinéma ) rates all films and videos; its purview devolves from the Cinema Act (chapter C-18.1). In some cases the Ministry may refuse to provide a classification, effectively banning the film. Educational and sports films are exempt from classification. Films are classified by

SECTION 60

#1732772516008

4154-529: The same as the system for theatrical exhibition, but also provided a "12" rating. Under Kijkwijzer, the distributor fills out a questionnaire about the content of the film and an age category is automatically assigned. The new system is fully advisory, and carries no mandatory restrictions. In the French and German-speaking communities , the system is known as Cinecheck . The age categories are as follows: All films that are exhibited in public or released on

4221-514: The same classification ratings and restrictions as films (with the exception of the R 18+ and X 18+ ratings), in response to confusion by parents. Despite a line in the National Classification Code stating that "adults should be able to read, hear and see what they want", the adult R 18+ classification was not applied to video games in Australia until 1 January 2013. The Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC)

4288-416: The suitable age group for viewing. The age classification considers themes like violence, language, drug use, and sexual content. The age classification are as follows: For any content to be publicly shown or advertised, it must receive a Censorship Approval Certificate (STLS) from the LSF. If content fails to meet censorship standards, the LSF issues a non-approval certificate, restricting its distribution to

4355-477: Was introduced in 2004 which was overhauled in 2011 in favour of the current system. Its categories—given by the National Film Office—were "Without age restriction", "Parental guidance suggested below age of 12", "Not recommended below age of 16", "Not recommended below age of 18", and "For adults only". Since 1 July 2006, FRÍSK (short for Félag rétthafa í sjónvarps- og kvikmyndaiðnaði ) has replaced

4422-400: Was made for The Last of Us Part II , where the game was not censored despite containing nudity). The other classification categories ( G , PG and M ) are merely recommendations and they are not submitted to legal age restrictions. RC (banned) material cannot be sold, hired or distributed to any persons. A film or video game's context is crucial in determining whether a classifiable element

4489-632: Was reorganised in 1994, and oversaw the ACB. In 2005 the OFLC was dissolved and supervision of the ACB transferred to the attorney-general's department . The current colour-coded classification markings for films and computer games were introduced in May 2005. In August 2014, the ACB introduced amendments to allow for the automated classification process employed by the International Age Rating Coalition . This new process reduces

#7992