Regulation 

film

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is a non-governmental organization, responsible for the national classification and censorship of films and to a lesser extent, some video games under the Video Recordings Act 1984.

films and videos all the way through and awarded an age rating and BBFCinsight to each one. age ratings are set by applying the standards and criteria contained in our Classification Guidelines 

Typically, two Compliance Officers view a film for theatrical release. In most cases a Compliance Manager will confirm the Compliance Officers’ recommendation. But if the Compliance Officers are in any doubt or fail to agree, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the Board up to, and including, the Chief Executive and Presidential team. Occasionally specialist advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for effects are needed.

issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence are looked at when making decisions. The theme of the work is also an important consideration. We also consider context, the tone and likely impact of a work on the potential audience.

case studies

Alien first appeared in 1979 and since then HR Giger’s biomechanical nightmare has never really left our screens, appearing in six motion pictures (or seven if you count Predator 2) and countless comic books and video games.

With Ridley Scott revisiting the Alien universe this month in Prometheus, we take a look at what the BBFC made of Alien when it first came to the Board.

Examiners found themselves weighing up whether to pass the film ‘AA’, which would have made the film available to those aged 14 and up or ‘X’ for 18 years and over.  In the end the film was passed ‘X’ in line with other horror films of the time such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers.  However some comparisons were drawn between Alien and Jaws and there was discussion as to whether younger viewers would be able handle Alien or whether the level of fear generated and the dark tone were too much.

Newspapers 

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) is the independent regulator for the newspaper and magazine industry in the UK. We hold newspapers and magazines to account for their actions, protect individual rights, uphold high standards of journalism and help to maintain freedom of expression for the press.

editors code

The Editors’ Code is a set of rules that newspaper and magazine industry members have agreed to accept. It sets the standards that newspapers and magazines can be held to account by IPSO and is part of the contract between IPSO and the newspapers and magazines it regulates.

1. Accuracy

2. *Privacy

3. *Harassment

4. Intrusion into grief or shock

5. *Reporting suicide

6. *Children

7. *Children in sex cases

8. *Hospitals

9. *Reporting of Crime

10. *Clandestine devices and subterfuge

11. Victims of sexual assault

12. Discrimination

13. Financial journalism

14. Confidential sources

15. Witness payments in criminal trials

16. *Payment to criminals

• We make sure that member newspapers and magazines follow the Editors' Code.
• We investigate complaints about printed and online material that may breach the Editors’ Code.
• We can make newspapers and magazines publish corrections or adjudications if they breach the Editors’ Code (including on their front page).
• We monitor press standards and require member newspapers and magazines to submit an annual statement about how they follow the Editors’ Code and handle any complaints.
• We can investigate serious standards failings and can fine publishers up to £1 million in cases where they are particularly serious and systemic.

case study

The Leveson inquiry was a judicial public inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the British press following the News International phone hacking scandal, chaired by Lord Justice Leveson, who was appointed in July 2011. A series of public hearings were held throughout 2011 and 2012. The Inquiry published the Leveson Report in November 2012, which reviewed the general culture and ethics of the British media, and made recommendations for a new, independent, body to replace the existing Press Complaints Commission, which would have to be recognised by the state through new laws.