Overview

This bill amends the Video Recordings Act 1984, narrowing the exemptions from classification for certain video works. It aims to ensure that videos containing graphic violence, sexualised or violent imagery, dangerous behaviour, or discriminatory language are subject to age-rating classification.

Description

The bill modifies Section 2 of the 1984 Act, expanding the criteria that remove a video's exemption from classification. Key changes include:

• Replacing "mutilation or torture of, or other acts of gross" with "graphic" in relation to violence.
• Adding "or anus" to the list of body parts whose depiction can lead to loss of exemption.
• Introducing a new criterion: depictions of breasts or buttocks in a sexualised or violent context.
• Adding "dangerous behaviour" and "racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language" as grounds for losing exemption.

The bill ensures that videos containing any of these expanded criteria will require classification before release.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The costs associated with implementing the changes would likely be absorbed within existing budgets of the relevant regulatory bodies. No specific figures are provided within the bill text.

Groups Affected

The bill will affect:

• Video producers and distributors: They will face stricter requirements for classification, potentially increasing costs and administrative burdens.
• Consumers: Greater clarity and more consistent age ratings across a broader range of video content.
• Regulatory bodies (e.g., the British Board of Film Classification): Increased workload in classifying videos that were previously exempt.

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