Taking a gamble: Proposed reforms to the National Classification Scheme

The federal government has recently announced proposed reforms to the National Classification Scheme (Scheme) and released the Review of Australian Classification Regulation (Review).

Key proposed changes include:

• the introduction of mandatory minimum classifications for games which contain simulated gambling and paid loot boxes. A loot box is a feature in a computer game where digital items, such as in-game weapons, can be purchased usually using in-game currency. Loot boxes are a common feature of today's computer games to encourage spending of in-game currency
• updated regulatory arrangements to align with the modern digital media environment
• expanded options for the industry to self-classify content.