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BBFC

Pilot music video age classification system rolls out on Friday

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By John Glenday, Reporter

October 1, 2014 | 2 min read

A pilot scheme to introduce age ratings to online music videos is to begin on Friday as part of moves to bring the industry into line with film and television.

Sony, Universal and Warner Bros have all signed up to the initiative with YouTube and Vevo also getting on board, although the scheme will only affect artists signed to UK labels for now.

Furthermore people actually viewing such videos won’t even notice any difference until the end of the year – when the system is rolled out fully.

The new system is being overseen by the British Board of Film Classification which will dole out the PG, 12, 12A, 15 and 18 certificates familiar to movie buffs.

Speaking to BBC Newsbrat artist Ella On The Run said:"I understand the reason for it. I would say age ratings would be appropriate because sometimes you don't want your kids to see certain sexual imagery or violence.

"At the same time, I think giving an age rating might actually get people to make even more provocative videos than before as long as they get the proper rating for it.”

Music videos screened on broadcast media will be subject to strict rules as laid down by Ofcom, as they are currently.

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