BBFC Legal Consideration

The BBFC must consider all of the following acts:

• Human Rights Act 1998, for the right to a private life and freedom of expression.
• The Licensing Act 2003, that cinemas require a license with the aims to prevent crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, protecting children from harm.
• The Video Recordings Act 1984, that films must be classified based on how the film deals with criminal behavior, violent or horrific behaviour / incidents and sexual activity.
• The Obscene Publications Act 1959 & 1964, which makes it illegal to publish any work considered obscene.
• Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, which makes it illegal to be in possession of an extreme pornographic image.
• The Protection of Children Act 1978, making it illegal to make, distribute, show or possess indecent photographs of one who is under the age of 18.
• The Sexual Offences Act 2003, making it illegal to expose oneself with the intent to cause distress.
• The Public Order Act 1986, which makes it illegal to distribute, show or play publicly, a recording that is threatening, abusive or insulting with the intention to stir up hatred from race or sexuality.
• The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937, making it illegal to show any scene that involved actual cruelty to animals.
• The Animal Welfare Act 2006, making it illegal to supply, publish, show or possess a video recording of an 'animal fight' that has taken place in Great Britain.
• The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002, which makes it illegal to publish a tobacco advertisement.