Search results : 1094

On 8 May 2008, the German Bundestag (Parliament) adopted the Government's draft first amendment of the Jugendschutzgesetz (Act on the Protection of Minors), thanks to the votes of the Government parties. The amendment contains three main aspects: firstly, the list of media products harmful to minors, which are indexed under law, is extended where the portrayal of violence is concerned. Whereas previously minors were only banned by law from buying computer games that "glorify" violence or war, in future the same will apply to those in which "realistic, gruesome and sensationalised portrayals of...

On 22 April 2008, the European Commission issued a Communication on the protection of consumers, in particular of minors, in respect of the use of video games. The Communication was adopted in response to the booming prospects of the European gaming market, which, in the words of Commissioner Reding, is “welcome, but implies greater responsibility for the industry”. The European video games market is the fastest growing and most dynamic sector of the European content industry, with an expected revenue of EUR 7.3 billion by the end of 2008. This growth is in part due to a rapid expansion to older...

On 26 March 2008, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers adopted a recommendation (CM/Rec(2008)6) on measures to promote respect for freedom of expression and information in reference to Internet filters. The recommendation and the underlying report acknowledge the ways in which Internet filters can impact on freedom of expression and information, and they stipulate the requirements of Article 10 ECHR in this context. The recommendation calls upon the Member States to take measures with regard to Internet filters, in line with a set of guidelines promoting user notification, awareness and...

After monitoring the labelling of feature films broadcast on prime time television in February 2008, the Consiliul Naţional al Audiovizualului (national electronic media authority – CNA) found several violations of the rules on the protection of minors. On the basis of the relevant investigative reports, it imposed appropriate sanctions for breaches of the classification criteria set out in the Codul CNA de Reglementare a Conţinutului în audiovizual (CNA regulatory code for audiovisual content) at its public meeting on 27 March 2008. The broadcaster Kanal D was fined RON 2,500 (approx. EUR 680),...

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has introduced new regulations on taste and decency. These are contained in the Code of Programme Standards. The code came into effect on 10April 2007. The objectives of the code are to promote responsible broadcasting and reduce harm or offence to the audience. The code provides guidelines to the broadcaster and protects the viewer/listener by informing them of choices and standards to expect. While restrictions already existed in the area, this is the first attempt to create regulatory guidelines, which apply to all Irish broadcasters, both public...