Australian Censorship
The Following are two of the classification categories used by the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification. Below this is a statement from the contact page discussing in the vaguest possible terms the possibility of grown ups being allowed to view grown up scenarios in computer games.
R 18+ - RESTRICTED
Impact test
The impact of material classified R 18+ should not exceed high.
Note: This classification category applies only to films. Material classified R 18+ is legally
restricted to adults. Some material classified R 18+ may be offensive to sections of the adult
community.
Classifiable elements
THEMES
There are virtually no restrictions on the treatment of themes.
VIOLENCE
Violence is permitted.
Sexual violence may be implied, if justified by context.
SEX
Sexual activity may be realistically simulated. The general rule is
“simulation, yes - the real thing, no”.
LANGUAGE
There are virtually no restrictions on language.
DRUG USE
Drug use is permitted.
NUDITY
Nudity is permitted.
X18+ - RESTRICTED
CONTAINS CONSENSUAL SEXUALLY EXPLICIT ACTIVITY
(Restricted to adults 18 years and over*)
*Available only for sale or hire in the ACT and Northern Territory.
Note: This classification category applies only to films. This classification is a special and
legally restricted category which contains only sexually explicit material. That is material
which contains real depictions of actual sexual intercourse and other sexual activity between
consenting adults.
No depiction of violence, sexual violence, sexualised violence or coercion is allowed in the
category. It does not allow sexually assaultive language. Nor does it allow consensual
depictions which purposefully demean anyone involved in that activity for the enjoyment of
viewers.
Fetishes such as body piercing, application of substances such as candle wax,
‘golden showers’, bondage, spanking or fisting are not permitted.
As the category is restricted to activity between consenting adults, it does not permit any
depictions of non-adult persons, including those aged 16 or 17, nor of adult persons who look
like they are under 18 years. Nor does it permit persons 18 years of age or over to be
portrayed as minors.
Responses to R 18+ classification for computer games
A large number of enquiries have been received about an R 18+ (Restricted) classification for computer games. In March 2008, the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (Censorship) agreed in principle to conduct broad consultation seeking community views on whether an R 18+ classification should be introduced for computer games. Censorship Ministers are currently considering the content of a discussion paper with a view to releasing it early 2009. You may like to participate in the consultation when it is announced and make a submission.
R 18+ - RESTRICTED
Impact test
The impact of material classified R 18+ should not exceed high.
Note: This classification category applies only to films. Material classified R 18+ is legally
restricted to adults. Some material classified R 18+ may be offensive to sections of the adult
community.
Classifiable elements
THEMES
There are virtually no restrictions on the treatment of themes.
VIOLENCE
Violence is permitted.
Sexual violence may be implied, if justified by context.
SEX
Sexual activity may be realistically simulated. The general rule is
“simulation, yes - the real thing, no”.
LANGUAGE
There are virtually no restrictions on language.
DRUG USE
Drug use is permitted.
NUDITY
Nudity is permitted.
X18+ - RESTRICTED
CONTAINS CONSENSUAL SEXUALLY EXPLICIT ACTIVITY
(Restricted to adults 18 years and over*)
*Available only for sale or hire in the ACT and Northern Territory.
Note: This classification category applies only to films. This classification is a special and
legally restricted category which contains only sexually explicit material. That is material
which contains real depictions of actual sexual intercourse and other sexual activity between
consenting adults.
No depiction of violence, sexual violence, sexualised violence or coercion is allowed in the
category. It does not allow sexually assaultive language. Nor does it allow consensual
depictions which purposefully demean anyone involved in that activity for the enjoyment of
viewers.
Fetishes such as body piercing, application of substances such as candle wax,
‘golden showers’, bondage, spanking or fisting are not permitted.
As the category is restricted to activity between consenting adults, it does not permit any
depictions of non-adult persons, including those aged 16 or 17, nor of adult persons who look
like they are under 18 years. Nor does it permit persons 18 years of age or over to be
portrayed as minors.
Responses to R 18+ classification for computer games
A large number of enquiries have been received about an R 18+ (Restricted) classification for computer games. In March 2008, the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (Censorship) agreed in principle to conduct broad consultation seeking community views on whether an R 18+ classification should be introduced for computer games. Censorship Ministers are currently considering the content of a discussion paper with a view to releasing it early 2009. You may like to participate in the consultation when it is announced and make a submission.