Byron "delighted" with PEGI introduction
Digital Economy Bill "vital" for ensuring safety of game-playing children, says professor
Tanya Byron, the author of the 2008 Byron Review into child safety online, has said she is "delighted" the Digital Economy Bill has been passed into law.
"I am delighted to hear that the Digital Economy Bill received Royal Assent. Its content is vital for the safety of children when playing videogames both on and off line," Byron commented today.
"In my review I offered the games industry, via a consultation, the chance to prove that the PEGI is the most effective system in providing protection to children online and offline from adult related content.
"I was delighted with how they responded, updating the PEGI system to meet the challenges of today and importantly, tomorrow."
Adding his support to the new bill was Neil Thompson, the general manager of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division, who called the bill "a victory for consumer empowerment".
"Gaming safety for children - be they playing on or offline - is of paramount importance to Microsoft," he added.
"As Professor Byron rightly states, the PEGI ratings system will allow both parents and the wider gaming market to make clearer and more informed decisions when purchasing gaming products.
"Microsoft commends ELSPA on its successful lobbying efforts and looks forward to working with the Video Standards Council over coming months."
The new bill received Royal Assent yesterday, meaning that a wealth of new measures - including those designed to tackle piracy and copyright breaches online, as well as the introduction on the PEGI age ratings system - will be brought into force during the next Parliament.