Overview

This Bill increases the accountability of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to Parliament and establishes an appeals process for its decisions. It also increases penalties for supplying illegal video recordings.

Description

The Bill makes several key changes:

• Parliamentary Scrutiny of Appointments: The Home Affairs Committee of the House of Commons will now scrutinise appointments to key BBFC positions. The Secretary of State must provide a list of candidates, and cannot appoint someone the committee deems unsuitable.
• Appeals Body: A new independent appeals body will be created to hear appeals against BBFC classification decisions. This body will consist of a panel of independent individuals, selecting a 12-person jury for each case, with a focus on public concerns about violence and the sexualisation of children. Decisions will be by majority vote.
• Parliamentary Scrutiny of Guidelines: The BBFC must submit its guidelines to the Home Affairs Committee for approval before they are implemented.
• Increased Penalties: Penalties for offences related to the distribution of illegal video recordings will be significantly increased. Prison sentences will rise and fines will be substantially higher.

Government Spending

The Bill will likely lead to increased government spending due to the establishment and operation of the appeals body. Precise figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• The BBFC: Increased accountability and scrutiny of its decisions and processes.
• Film and Video Distributors: Higher penalties for supplying illegal or misclassified content.
• The Home Affairs Committee: Increased responsibilities in scrutinising BBFC appointments and guidelines.
• Individuals appealing BBFC decisions: New avenue for appealing decisions.
• The Public: Potentially greater influence on film classification through the appeals process and parliamentary scrutiny.

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