Video Game Censorship in UK Legally Unenforceable
Thatcher government didn't ratify act
The United Kingdom's New Labour government has just realised something: the Video Recordings Act of 1984 isn't actually legally enforceable. The act also covers content and sale of video games.
The reason it's now an invalid law? Well, it's been that way since 1984 when the Thatcher Conservative government brought into being but did not notify the European Commission of its existence. With the current government reviewing policy on game ratings via the PEGI vs ELSPA debate, the omission has come to light.
According to Culture Media and Sport Minister, Barbara Follett, this does mean that works that were banned in the past - or that prosecutions made under the act for sales of games - will be able to appeal. The BBC quotes a letter sent by the Minister to relevant industry bodies, "Our legal advice is that those previously prosecuted will be unable to overturn their prosecution or receive financial recompense."
To mis-quote another, 'She would say that, wouldn't she?'
The reason it's now an invalid law? Well, it's been that way since 1984 when the Thatcher Conservative government brought into being but did not notify the European Commission of its existence. With the current government reviewing policy on game ratings via the PEGI vs ELSPA debate, the omission has come to light.
According to Culture Media and Sport Minister, Barbara Follett, this does mean that works that were banned in the past - or that prosecutions made under the act for sales of games - will be able to appeal. The BBC quotes a letter sent by the Minister to relevant industry bodies, "Our legal advice is that those previously prosecuted will be unable to overturn their prosecution or receive financial recompense."
To mis-quote another, 'She would say that, wouldn't she?'
Comments
YenRug 25 Aug 2009 12:58
1/1
Seriously, a law has been openly admitted to not be enforcable and no-one is going to be able appeal against it? Who the hell are they trying to kid, there will be 25 years worth of defendants and lawyers all over their arses!