Australian Classification Board

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The Australian Classification Board (ACB), previously the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC), is an organization founded by the Australian authority that is responsible for the age ratings . The ACB classifies films and video games. In order to be distributed, a medium must be labeled, otherwise it is treated the same as prohibited media.

Approvals for films

Example MA15 +

The following approvals are only recommendations:

  • G (General) - means that the medium is suitable for all ages.
  • PG (Parental guidence recommended) - means that younger children should be accompanied by their parents.
  • M (Recommended for mature audiences) - means that the medium is only recommended for older people.

These approvals are binding:

  • MA15 + (Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian) - means that people under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • R18 + (Restricted to 18 and over) - Approved for ages 18+.
  • X18 + (Restricted to 18 and over) - Approved for ages 18+ (only applies to pornography).
  • A release can also be denied, which means that the corresponding medium is prohibited. ( Refused Classification )

Video game shares

Correspond to the film approvals, but the “ X18 + ” rating is not used for pornographic material. Before 2013, there was no “ R18 + ” approval for video games and the “ MA15 + ” rating was the maximum, which meant that titles that were approved for adults in other countries were only truncated in Australia or were not commercially available at all . Since January 1, 2013, the " R18 + " rating has also been used for video games.

Approvals for publications

Some books, comics, magazines, etc. also need to be checked. You will then receive one of the following, binding approvals:

  • Unrestricted - Unrestricted for sale to all age groups.
  • Category 1 / Category 2 Approved from 18 years of age. In fact , in Queensland these publications are banned altogether.
  • Release can also be refused here ( Refused Classification )

Web links

Commons : Australian Classification Board  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ 1 January 2013: R 18+ classification for computer games starts 1 January 2013. Accessed on February 3, 2013 (English).