Can the Sum of Digital Media be Classified?
October 13, 2011
Classifying media used to be a relatively easy process. There was television, movies, books, magazines, and in the latter part of the last century, games. Things have changed dramatically in the last thirty years, however, and the classification process has not kept up. The article, Bringing Media Classification into the Digital Era, on The Conversation, looks at what is lacking and new proposals to fix the problem.
The two biggest changes the world of media has seen since the classification process was last updated have been the internet and globalization. These two factors have changed the way classification must be seen and addressed. The Australian Law Reform Commission proposed new classification guidelines in an effort to revamp the outdated system and better meet the current needs of the Australian people.
As the article explains,
The ALRC Discussion Paper released today contains 44 proposals relating to a proposed new National Classification Scheme. It suggests that at its heart will sit a new Classification of Media Content Act. It will identify what content needs to be classified, who should do it, and who has responsibility for breaches of the guidelines.
Tackling the world’s media is a lofty goal and we’re not sure Australia can accomplish it. More importantly, we don’t think Australia can finance the operation. The article and the ALRC’s report do bring up some interesting points, though. With globalization alive and kicking and the internet streaming into homes around the world, who is responsible for classification of material? And more importantly, who is responsible for paying for the classification process?
Catherine Lamsfuss, October 13, 2011
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