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Australia introduces new trial for classification of online games

Xinhua, March 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

Australia will trial a new classification tool to keep pace with mobile and online games, ensuring users, particularly parents, are better informed about what types of games are being played on mobile devices, Minister of Justice Michael Keenan said on Tuesday.

Australia has joined the International Age Rating Coalition ( IARC), a partnership of government and industry content classification authorities from around the world.

As part of this partnership, Australia is preparing to trial the use of IARC's new tool for classifying mobile and online games.

Participating online storefronts that use the IARC tool require game developers to obtain certification by completing a questionnaire about the content of their games.

The IARC tool then assigns games with local classifications for each member country or region based on standards set by relevant authorities.

The use of this tool will help keep the National Classification Scheme up to date with the pace of growth of mobile and online games.

Australians who download these games through participating storefronts will soon start seeing familiar Australian classifications. Parents will also be better informed when making decisions about what their children play on their devices. Endi