BBFC launches voluntary online ratings

The BBFC has launched a voluntary ratings system for online games, the Guardian reports, extending its established ratings labels such as U, 15 and 18 to digital downloads.

According to the site:

Web stores and services that sign up to the new content ratings system, called BBFC Online, will apply the guidance labels to downloaded and streamed films, TV shows and computer games - whether distributed via the internet, TV set-top boxes, games consoles or mobile devices.

The new online scheme features the eight familiar BBFC ratings symbols including U, 15 and 18 seen in cinemas and on DVD releases.

The BBFC said several "key media players were poised to sign", while Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Europe have already joined.