Video Recordings Act 1984

[F1 2A Conditions relating to video games U.K.

(1) The conditions referred to in section 2(1A)(c) are as follows.

(2) The first condition is that the video game does not include any of the following—

(a) depictions of violence towards human or animal characters, whether or not the violence looks realistic and whether or not the violence results in obvious harm,

(b) depictions of violence towards other characters where the violence looks realistic,

(c) depictions of criminal activity that are likely, to any extent, to stimulate or encourage the commission of offences,

(d) depictions of activities involving illegal drugs or the misuse of drugs,

(e) words or images that are likely, to any extent, to stimulate or encourage the use of alcohol or tobacco,

(f) words or images that are intended to convey a sexual message,

(g) swearing, or

(h) words or images that are intended or likely, to any extent, to cause offence, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation or otherwise.

(3) In subsection (2) “ human or animal character ” means a character that is, or whose appearance is similar to that of—

(a) a human being, or

(b) an animal that exists or has existed in real life,

but does not include a simple stick character or any equally basic representation of a human being or animal.

(4) The second condition is that the designated authority, or a person nominated by the designated authority for the purposes of this section, has confirmed in writing that the video game is suitable for viewing by persons under the age of 12.

(5) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this section—

(a) by amending the first condition, or

(b) by adding a further condition (or by amending or removing such a condition).

(6) Regulations under this section may make provision by reference to documents produced by the designated authority.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 2A inserted (30.7.2012) by Digital Economy Act 2010 (c. 24), ss. 40(5), 47(3)(c); S.I. 2012/1766, art. 2(a)