According to independent research studies, 63 percent of adults (74 percent of parents) are concerned about downloadable video material without ratings while 84 per cent of adults (91 per cent of parents) want to see British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) film and DVD classification on downloadable/streaming films and other digital audio-visual content. Well, guess what? It's going to happen.

The BBFC has announced that it will be launching a new online rating scheme which will let them rate more media content such as downloadable games, films, and programs. For concerned parents, this is a godsend as it helps them decide whether or not certain online content is safe for their child's viewing.

This new scheme will now require electronic retailers and video on demand services to provide age verification or gate-keeping systems in place for parents to monitor and control underage viewing.
 
So far, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Europe, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox have already signed up and more are expected to follow suit. The BBFC has already given out over 700 online certificates to various websites although it expects to increase this number to 1000 by the end of the month.