New Rating System for Online Games

The British Parliament recommends on enforcing additional age classifications on online games, similar to the ones currently enforced on movies. The new age classifications will not be limited to violent and sexual explicit games; popular Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games such as Second Life and Everquest will receive the not recommended for children under 12 rating as well. 

While the latest GTA IV controversy (in which a high school student of Bang Phlad district, Thailand cold blooded killing a taxi driver was inspired by the best selling video game) shakes parents, educators and anti-censorship supporters worldwide, the British government announced its intentions to regulate and restrict minors' free access to video and online games, including innocent looking fantasy multi player games such as Second Life. 

Led by the culture minister, Margaret Hodge and supported by Dr. Tanya Byron, "Enhanced BBFC System" option determines to protect children under 12 from the pedophiles that might be using the cyber space to swoop down young victims. Expectedly, the option did not receive warm welcomes from the computer gaming industry, or described as "ridiculous" in the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association own words.

More on the subject:

18+ PEGI rating on violent games increases its appeal among under 18 teenagers and children