das müffin mann
04-23-2008, 08:26 PM
original link:http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10134&Itemid=59
The European Union has given the videogame industry two years to develop and adopt a ‘code of conduct’ that better protects minors.
Although it acknowledged that there is no conclusive evidence that violent videogames influence children's behavior, the European Union's executive body said in a news conference Tuesday that the industry must work towards easing public concerns about the dangers of games, Reuters reports.
"Creators have to enjoy freedom of expression but at the same time it's an industry that impacts society," said EU information society commissioner Viviane Reding.
"When children go out to play today they enter the world of joysticks. We are not quite sure where they go and there is real anxiety from parents," added EU consumer protection commissioner Meglena Kuneva.
While it has the power to propose legislation, the EU is giving the industry time to act on its own. It suggested more should be spent on advertising the Pan European Games Information (PEGI) rating system in order to increase awareness among parents about the suitability of games for children.
The PEGI system, which is currently used by more than 200 industry members in 20 of the 27 EU states, was backed by Paul Jackson, director general of the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers' Association (ELSPA).
"Importantly, it protects children as games move increasingly online and therefore should be adopted by UK regulators. We look forward to discussing this at the forthcoming UK consultation," he said.
any of you european fellows have any thoughts on this?
The European Union has given the videogame industry two years to develop and adopt a ‘code of conduct’ that better protects minors.
Although it acknowledged that there is no conclusive evidence that violent videogames influence children's behavior, the European Union's executive body said in a news conference Tuesday that the industry must work towards easing public concerns about the dangers of games, Reuters reports.
"Creators have to enjoy freedom of expression but at the same time it's an industry that impacts society," said EU information society commissioner Viviane Reding.
"When children go out to play today they enter the world of joysticks. We are not quite sure where they go and there is real anxiety from parents," added EU consumer protection commissioner Meglena Kuneva.
While it has the power to propose legislation, the EU is giving the industry time to act on its own. It suggested more should be spent on advertising the Pan European Games Information (PEGI) rating system in order to increase awareness among parents about the suitability of games for children.
The PEGI system, which is currently used by more than 200 industry members in 20 of the 27 EU states, was backed by Paul Jackson, director general of the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers' Association (ELSPA).
"Importantly, it protects children as games move increasingly online and therefore should be adopted by UK regulators. We look forward to discussing this at the forthcoming UK consultation," he said.
any of you european fellows have any thoughts on this?