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YouTube and Vevo receive age certificates for music videos over explicit content fears

The initial phase found that roughly 20 per cent of videos would receive a 12, 15 or 18 certificate

Roisin O'Connor
Thursday 26 March 2015 13:14 GMT
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Age ratings on music videos are part of a government-backed pilot scheme following concerns over 'explicit' content
Age ratings on music videos are part of a government-backed pilot scheme following concerns over 'explicit' content

Music videos on YouTube and Vevo are being tagged with age certificates in a new bid to protect children from unsuitable content.

The age ratings are part of a government-backed pilot scheme following concerns over "explicit" videos by artists such as Rihanna and Miley Cyrus.

Among the songs deemed to require certification were Ellie Goulding's "Love Me Like You Do" from the soundtrack for Fifty Shades of Grey.

The video, which contained several excerpts from the "erotic" thriller, was rated 15 by the BBFC for "strong sex references".

The pilot, which is now in its second phase, began as a behind-the-scenes trial in October 2014. Only acts signed in Britain are being scrutinised.

Ratings are decided by the British Board of Film Classification, with three major record labels, Sony, Universal and Warners, taking part.

The initial phase found that roughly 20 per cent of videos would receive a 12, 15 or 18 certificate.

Once given an age rating, record labels pass on the guidance to Vevo and YouTube, who display it when the videos are broadcast from their sites.

At the moment, there is no rule on how the guidance should be displayed.

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