The British Board of Film Classification considers for classification every film, video or DVD to be made available to the public in the UK.

 

The work is placed in a particular age-related category ('U', 'PG', '12/12A', '15', '18', 'R18') depending on the suitability of the material. What is appropriate for each age group is based on a set of guidelines that take into account the law and public opinion. The guidelines can be seen at the BBFC's website at http://www.bbfc.co.uk/.

 

Some video games are particularly realistic, or feature sex or violence and must be classified by the BBFC under the Video Recordings Act 1984.

 

It is an offence to supply a video, DVD or game classified by the BBFC to someone who does not meet the age requirement; the offence is punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months in prison.

 

Those video games not eligible for classification by the BBFC are classified under a voluntary industry scheme overseen by the Video Standards Council (VSC).  Details of the new pan-European scheme they are currently introducing may be found on the VSC's website at http://www.videostandards.org.uk/.

 

The Home Office deals with matters relating to the Obscene Publications Act 1959.