Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 22 JUNE 2007

The BBFC Bans A Video Game

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang
Explore more from CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has taken the unusual step of refusing to grant a certificate for a computer game. As a result, the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii game called Manhunt 2, which no doubt cost millions of pounds to develop, cannot legally be sold in the UK.

United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Susan Barty
Susan Barty
Phillip Carnell
Phillip Carnell

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has taken the unusual step of refusing to grant a certificate for a computer game. As a result, the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii game called Manhunt 2, which no doubt cost millions of pounds to develop, cannot legally be sold in the UK.

For further information about the decision of the BBFC, please see below:

Full Article

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has taken the unusual step of refusing to grant a certificate for a computer game. As a result, the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii game called Manhunt 2, which no doubt cost millions of pounds to develop, cannot legally be sold in the UK.

BBFC powers

Video games cannot be sold in the UK without obtaining a BBFC certificate if they depict realistic or semi-realistic people. The regime is the same as for films, with releases awarded a U, PG, 12A, 15 or 18 certificate or, as in the case of Manhunt 2, no certificate at all.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

EU Kids Act: What Do The Planned Age Restrictions And Safety Requirements For Minors Online Mean For Providers?

The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, introducing comprehensive restrictions on minors' access to social media and video-sharing platforms while imposing extensive online safety requirements across digital services. This landmark legislation will require businesses to implement safety-by-design frameworks, age verification systems, and guardian controls, with particularly stringent compliance obligations for Very Large Online Platforms that must prove their services are safe through independ
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Winston Taylor
Winston Taylor
Article

The EU Kids Act: Not Just A Social Media Ban, And Not Just An EU Problem

The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, a comprehensive regulation that extends far beyond a simple social media ban for under-13s. This ambitious framework introduces tiered age-based restrictions, safety-by-design obligations across digital services including AI chatbots and online games, and mandatory certified age-verification systems. With potential fines reaching 6% of global turnover and enforcement mechanisms piggybacking on existing DSA machinery, organisations offering digital servic
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP
Article

Advertising In ChatGPT: What Retailers Need To Know

OpenAI's integration of advertisements into ChatGPT marks a significant shift in how retailers can reach consumers through conversational AI. As this emerging channel offers contextual relevance at moments of genuine purchasing intent, retailers must navigate complex advertising regulations, data protection requirements, and sector-specific rules to ensure compliance while capitalizing on this novel marketing opportunity.
United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Browne Jacobson LLP
Browne Jacobson LLP
Article

Evolution Delivered: What Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 Means For EU261 Reform

The European Union has enacted its most comprehensive overhaul of passenger rights legislation in over twenty years, introducing significant operational changes for airlines while maintaining the core architecture of the existing compensation framework. With implementation required by October 2027, carriers face expanded obligations around automatic reimbursements, rerouting rights, and assistance provisions, alongside new clarity on extraordinary circumstances and claims procedures.
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP
Article

AI And In-house Legal Practice: Professional Judgement Cannot Be Automated

Generative AI offers genuine opportunities for in-house legal teams, but it also creates distinct professional risks that require careful management. Recent regulatory guidance from the Law Society and SRA warning notices highlight critical concerns around AI-generated legal work, from fabricated case citations to confidential data exposure. How should in-house lawyers balance AI efficiency gains against their professional duties and regulatory obligations?
United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Farrer & Co
Farrer & Co
Article

EU KIDS Act: Europe's Plan To Strengthen Child Online Safety

The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, a comprehensive regulatory framework establishing a minimum age of 15 for social media access and mandating safety-by-design principles for digital services accessible to minors. This analysis explores how the Act's four pillars compare with the UK's Online Safety Act, examines its relationship with existing EU digital regulations including the DSA and upcoming Digital Fairness Act, and outlines the practical compliance implications for platforms operati
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
TLT
TLT
Article

UK Government Announces Social Media Ban For Under-16s: Enforcement And Next Steps

The UK Government has announced plans to ban social media platforms from offering services to children under 16, marking a significant escalation in the country's approach to children's online safety. The proposal extends beyond a blanket ban to target harmful functionality including livestreaming and certain messaging features, with platforms expected to implement robust age assurance measures and demonstrate effective compliance with child safety requirements. Organisations operating in-scope services fac
United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Stephenson Harwood
Stephenson Harwood