EFA Welcomes R18+ games guidelines

Electronic Frontiers Australia (EFA) today welcomed the release of draft
guidelines for the classification of computer games that includes an
adults-only category.

“Australia is the only developed country where computer games with adult
themes are seized at the docks,” said EFA Chair Colin Jacobs. “It is long
past the time to harmonise classification laws and give adults the freedom to
choose what to watch and play. Whether the disc goes into the DVD player or
game console, the principle should be the same.”

The guidelines include an R18+ category for adults-only games. Games that do
not fit into the MA15+ category are banned for sale in Australia under the
current system. For the new guidelines to be adopted, the agreement of all
the states is required.

“The federal government has shown strong leadership in this area which we
applaud,” said Jacobs. “This is something the public wants and it would be a
scandal if one recalcitrant state attorney-general derailed it to score
points or because they thought it was all too hard.”

“This isn’t about putting more violent games into the hands of kids,” added
Jacobs. “It’s the opposite, a category that is specifically forbidden to
children. In a free country like ours, giving adults that choice shouldn’t be
controversial.”

– Ends –

Below is:

– Background information
– Contact details for media

Background:

* Minister’s Media Release and draft guidelines
– http://bit.ly/m8Myxx

* Electronic Frontiers Australia
– http://efa.org.au/

About EFA:

Electronic Frontiers Australia Inc. (EFA) is a non-profit national
organisation representing Internet users concerned with on-line rights and
freedoms. EFA was established in 1994, is independent of government and
commerce, and is funded by membership subscriptions and donations from
individuals and organisations with an altruistic interest in promoting online
civil liberties.

Media Contacts:

Mr Colin Jacobs
Chair
Phone: 0402 631 955
Email: [email protected]