Online music videos to receive age ratings
Videos may get 12, 15 or 18 rating
Fans watching music videos online will be presented with cinema-style age certificates as part of a pilot scheme.
The age-ratings will appear on certain videos placed on YouTube and Vevo, in accordance with the British Phonographic Industry and British Board of Film Classification.
It follows concerns raised over explicit music videos by artists such as Nicki Minaj, Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus.
The government-backed scheme has been running since October last year and saw all three UK major record labels involved.
The board issues either a 12, 15 or 18 rating to the record label, which in turn provides the decision to YouTube and Vevo.
They also provide content advice which explains why an age rating has been given, such as strong language or sexual imagery.
It is understood that only 20% of videos released within the pilot scheme will receive an age-rating, as most feature material suitable for everyone.
David Austin, assistant director for the British Board of Film Classification, said: “We are very pleased to see YouTube and Vevo displaying BBFC age ratings and BBFC insight for online music videos submitted to the BBFC for classification as part of this pilot.”
He continued: “Parents taking part in our most recent review of the BBFC Classification Guidelines in 2013, expressed their concerns about the content of music videos online, in particular their role in the sexualisation of girls and portrayals of self-harm, drug use and violence in some music video content.
“We hope this pilot will provide consumers with information to help guide them and their families when accessing music videos.”