Proposed legislation aims to automate some game classifications in Australia

Drawing on recommendations from the Australian Law Reform Commission and local trade body the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association, the Australian Government has proposed legislation which would allow for some game classifications to be automated.

Kotaku reports the proposed amendments to the Classification Act were first read in parliament on Wednesday, and allow for games in lower age rating categories to be classified via an upcoming online tool from the International Age Rating Coalition.

If successful, the amendments would have a couple of important effects; for starters, it would allow the Classification Board to devote its currently stretched resources to questionable titles in the M, MA15+ and R18+ categories, hopefully resulting in more thorough and consistent classifications.

Secondly, it would allow for he classification of mobile games, which currently slip through the net entirely in Australia. Finally, it would speed and streamline the classificaiton process for the majority of games.

“These reforms are the first step in the process of ensuring our classification system continues to be effective and relevant in the 21st century," minister for justice Michael Keenan said.

The ESRB currently employs a similar system of online ratings automation for downloadable games.

Thanks, games.on.net.