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New UK inquiry into games

December 06, 2007 in News comments 3

The UK parliament's Culture, Media and Sport Committee has commissioned a new report on harmful material on the internet and in videogames. The report will be looking at two key things:

  • The benefits and oppurtunities for consumers and the economy by these new technologys.
  • The risks that are possible from exposure to the plethora of harmful content available via the internet and videogames as a medium.

    Some argue that this is similar to another report commissioned, called the Byron Report (headed up by a psychologist, funnily enough - called Dr Tanya Byron) due in 2008. However, that report focuses solely on the effects videogames have on young children and how to protect them from harmful material. This report differs, in that it focuses on the internet as well and is geared specifically for everyone, not just children and will report it's finding on both the positive and the negative things.

    The UK parliament's Culture, Media and Sport Committee has announced a new inquiry into the potential risks from harmful material on the Internet and in videogames.

    This inquiry is different than the Byron Review, a government report due in 2008 which will seek to understand better how to protect children from harmful images.

    The CMS Committee wants to consider the benefits and opportunities offered to consumers, including children and young people, and the economy by technologies such as the Internet, videogames and mobile phones.

    At the same time, it will look at potential risks to consumers from exposure to harmful content on the Internet or in videogames, considering the "effectiveness of the existing regulatory regime" in helping to manage the potential risks.
    Q22 via gamesindustry.biz »
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    • 3
      Q22 Dec 6, 07
      I don't see the need to assess the issue of harmful material available on the internet or videogames. If you want to protect yourself or your children or anyone, it's easy to do so by following simple but vital steps. I think we might see the making of a mountain out of a mole hill.

      Although, I'm at least glad it will focus on the benefits as well as the negatives on a broader scope for all ages.
      • 0
        Guugley Dec 6, 07
        Completely agree with "mountain of a mole hill." Happens too often. Everything's fine how it is imo, nothing particularly that would be classed as 'harmful content'.
    • 0
      tidus04 Dec 6, 07
      They need a method in which they can stop younger gamers reaching for higher age rating games but personally I think they should start by warning the parents as they are the ones buying the product for them all the time.

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