Search results : 1127

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...

At its meeting on 19 February 2008, the Kommission für Jugendmedienschutz der Landesmedienanstalten (Commission for Protection of Youth in the Media - KJM) demanded that a fine of EUR 100,000 be imposed upon RTL's TV programme "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" ("DSDS") because of repeated infringements of youth protection rules in accordance with Art. 16 no. 8 in connection with Art. 24 para. 3 of the Jugendmedienschutz-Staatsvertrags (Inter-State Agreement on Protection of Youth in the Media - JMStV; see IRIS 2002-9: 15) in connection with Articles 35 ff. of the Gesetz über Ordnungswidrigkeiten...

Following a decision in June 2007 by the British Board of Film Classification not to give it a certificate (see IRIS 2007-7: 14), the videogame Manhunt 2, made by Rockstar Games for PS2 and Nintendo Wii consoles, could not be legally supplied within the United Kingdom. A revised version has also been refused a certificate. The BBFC’s main rationale was that the game depicted unremitting violence towards humans. However, as was pointed out in an article in the Times newspaper, there has been no difficulty in purchasing a copy online. On 10 December 2007, the BBFC’s decision was overturned by a decision...