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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Youths 'buy violent games online' | Youths 'buy violent games online' |
| (about 9 hours later) | |
| Children are able to illegally buy violent video games through online auction websites, the UK's Trading Standards Institute has said. | Children are able to illegally buy violent video games through online auction websites, the UK's Trading Standards Institute has said. |
| Almost 90% of retailers tested by the association sold under-18s games, such as Manhunt 2, through such outlets. | Almost 90% of retailers tested by the association sold under-18s games, such as Manhunt 2, through such outlets. |
| Traders supplying games to an under-age person in breach of official classifications can face a fine or up to six months in jail. | |
| The institute said online traders had to ensure they complied with laws. | |
| It added that parents and guardians also had "an important role to play in making sure their children are not playing unsuitable video games". | It added that parents and guardians also had "an important role to play in making sure their children are not playing unsuitable video games". |
| The report came ahead of the institute's conference in Bournemouth. | The report came ahead of the institute's conference in Bournemouth. |
| 'Responsibility' | 'Responsibility' |
| Welsh Heads of Trading Standards (WHOTS) carried out the investigation. Six local authorities enlisted volunteers aged between 12 and 16, who then tried to buy 18-rated video games online, paying for them with postal orders. | Welsh Heads of Trading Standards (WHOTS) carried out the investigation. Six local authorities enlisted volunteers aged between 12 and 16, who then tried to buy 18-rated video games online, paying for them with postal orders. |
| Of the 44 purchases attempted, 38 traders went through with the transactions. | Of the 44 purchases attempted, 38 traders went through with the transactions. |
| The games, which also included Grand Theft Auto IV, Godfather and Hitman, all carry a British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rating of 18 because they contain violent scenes. | |
| "This survey shows how easily children can gain access to age-restricted, violent video games," said Lee Jones, acting head of trading standards at Bridgend County Borough Council. | |
| Brandon Cook, the institute's lead officer for age-restricted sales, said that there were several companies who would run age checks on customers for internet traders, which were "very quick and relatively cheap". | |
| Traders selling goods over the internet had "a responsibility to make sure they have methods in place to avoid breaking the law by making under-age sales", he added. | |
| "If traders cannot be sure the person they are selling to is over 18, then they should not be selling." | "If traders cannot be sure the person they are selling to is over 18, then they should not be selling." |
| Game ratings are under increased scrutiny following the decision to give Manhunt 2 an 18 certificate in the UK earlier this year. | Game ratings are under increased scrutiny following the decision to give Manhunt 2 an 18 certificate in the UK earlier this year. |
| The game was approved for release after a nine-month battle between developers Rockstar and the BBFC. | |
| A Private Member's Bill proposing more government oversight of the BBFC was tabled in February but was talked out. |