Introduction
i. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent,
non-governmental body funded through the fees it charges to those who
submit
films, videos, DVDs and video games for classification.
ii. The BBFC classifies films on behalf of the local authorities who
license
cinemas under the Licensing Act 2003.
iii. The BBFC classifies videos, DVDs and
some video games under the
Video
Recordings Act 1984. (The
video games
covered by the VRA are those whose exemption is forfeited under section
2(2)
because they depict human sexual activity, gross violence or other
matters of
concern.)
iv. The BBFC will not classify material which it believes to be in
breach of
the criminal law.
v. Where possible the BBFC will carry out
its responsibilities through
appropriate use of the classification categories, particularly in order
to
protect children from actual or potential harm.
If necessary, however, the Board may cut
or even reject a film, video,
DVD or video game. The
Board's
approach to rejects is set out at the end of these Guidelines.
vi. In line with domestic administrative law principles and the
requirements of
the Human Rights Act 1998, there is a particular need to make the
classification criteria clear. This is fulfilled by the publication of
these
Guidelines and their availability on the BBFC website
(http://www.bbfc.co.uk)
or directly from the Board.
vii. The detail of the Guidelines is contained in the following pages. But it is right to set out
here the general
underlying grounds on which the Board exercises the broad discretion
conferred
on it. There are
three main
considerations:
- is
the material in conflict with the law?
- is
the material, at the age group concerned, likely to be harmful?
- is
the material, at the age group concerned, clearly unacceptable to broad
public
opinion? (It is on
this ground, for
example, that the Board intervenes in respect of language. This ground also applies
at '18', although
here it is balanced against the public expectation that adults should
be free
to choose their entertainment, within the law.)
viii. The BBFC Classification
Guidelines reflect all these considerations and others set out later.
They are
the product also of public consultation, research and the accumulated
experience of the BBFC over many years.
ix. The Guidelines, however, are not a legal document and should be
interpreted
in the spirit of what is intended as well as in the letter. They cannot
be a
comprehensive account of everything that may at any time be of concern.
Should
issues arise which are not specifically covered here, they will be
dealt with
by the BBFC on their merits and in line with the standards expressed
and
implied generally.
x. Responsibility for the Guidelines and for their interpretation rests
with
the BBFC and is subject to normal considerations of fairness and
reasonableness.
xi. The BBFC undertakes to provide guidance on the interpretation of
these
Guidelines at any time.
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