Internet Rights Forum proposes ratings system changes

The Internet Rights Forum, a French lobbying group, has issued new guidelines for online game publishers and legislators.

Along with proposing an on-screen timer to let players know how much time they are spending online, the group is proposing changes to the ratings system for online games according to a PC World article.

Currently, European publishers use the voluntary PEGI rating system with categories based on recommended ages such as 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+, and 18+. Because online games may expose players to text messages and conversations beyond the control of publishers, however, the Internet Rights Forum wants to strengthen the ratings system.

The group is proposing that games which allow text messages cannot be rated 3+ or 7+, and can only be rated 12+ if the game's text messages are moderated by an adult.

The Internet Rights Forum also wants publishers to guarantee that age ratings will apply to in-game advertisements, and to put warnings on packaging if an online game contains ads.

Some of the groups' recommendations could be applicable across Europe, according to spokesman Laurent Baup, while others specifically address French laws restricting hate speech or defining intellectual-property rights.

The Internet Rights Forum plans to create a Web site for parents and teachers, warning about the risks of online games, that should launch early next year.