Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, published a new draft of the Films and Publications Amendment Regulations for public comment in the Government Gazette.
The public comments for the new Films and Publications Amendment Regulations are currently open until 17 August 2020.
The Films and Publications Amendment Act 11 of 2019 aims to amend the Films and Publications Act, 1996, so as:
- To insert and amend certain definitions.
- To provide for the establishment, composition and appointment of members of the Enforcement Committee.
- To provide for the powers and duties of the Enforcement Committee.
- To regulate the online distribution of films and games.
- To extend the compliance obligations of the Films and Publications Act and the compliance and monitoring functions of the Film and Publication Board to online distributors.
- To revise and further regulate the functions of compliance officers regarding entering and inspection of premises and facilities in which the business of the sale, hire or exhibition of films or games is being conducted.
- To further regulate the classification of publications, films and games.
- To provide for accreditation of independent commercial online distributors by the Film and Publication Board.
- To provide for classification of publications, films and games by the independent industry classification bodies.
- To provide for foreign and international classification systems and approval thereof by the Film and Publication Board.
- To provide for the use of classification ratings issued by a foreign and international classification authority or body.
- To provide for the right of appeal against classifications issued by independent industry classification bodies.
- To provide for exemptions in respect of the online distribution of films and games.
- To further provide for the obligations of internet access providers regarding curbing the use of their services in propagating prohibited content.
- To revise and strengthen penal provisions.
- To provide for matters connected therewith.
To download the act, click here.
To comment on the amendment regulations, click here.
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