Films and Publications Amendment Bill signed into law
On 2 October 2019, President Ramaphosa signed into law the Films and Publications Amendment Bill, which amends the Films and Publications Act, 1996.
The stated objectives of the amendment include the following:
- 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 facilities in which 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.
The press statement issued by the Presidency is accessible here.
The Films and Publications Amendment Bill is accessible (via the Parliamentary Monitoring Group) here.
Please note: The information contained in this note is for general guidance on matters of interest, and does not constitute legal advice. For any enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].