The Film and Publication Board (FPB) is a content-classification and regulation authority in South Africa, operating under the Minister of Communications. The FPB was established in 1996[1] under the Films and Publications Act, ostensibly to tackle issues of child pornography and child abuse, as well as to provide ratings to publicly consumed media such as movies, music and television programs. Under these directives, its mandate can be considered one of state censorship.
Ratings[]
The FPB has the following ratings guideline:
Icon
Rating
Description
A
All Ages (This rating is used only for films)
PG
All Ages allowed, but some parental guidance is recommended for younger or sensitive players.
7-9 PG
Material may not be suitable for children under 7, but a caregiver or parent may decide if children between 7 and 9 years old may access the material.
10-12 PG
Material may not be suitable for children under 10, but a caregiver or parent may decide if children between 10 and 12 years old may access the material.
13
Not suitable for persons under the age of 13.
16
Not suitable for persons under the age of 16.
18
Not suitable for persons under the age of 18.
X18
Adults only. Only licensed, adults-only designated businesses may distribute this content, and never to minors. X18 content may not be broadcast on public media such as television or radio.
XX
Banned. Cannot be legally sold, rented or exhibited anywhere in South Africa. The FPB has the authority to classify any content as XX if it contains bestiality, necrophilia, extreme violence and/or cruelty, extreme sexual violence or the glorification of crime or child pornography.
Additionally, the FPB provides the following content classifications:
Icon
Rating
Name
Description
B
Blasphemy
warns that content may be religiously sensitive
CI
Competitive Intensity
the degree to which a player gets personally involved, and the level of excitement created in the players as they engage with the various game levels in order to gain incentives and rewards
CT
Criminal Techniques
instructional details of illegal and dangerous acts that may be life-threatening and that are detailed enough to be re-enacted or self-instructional
D
Drugs
scenes of substance (drugs and alcohol) abuse
H
Horror
scenes of horror
IAT
Imitative Acts or Techniques
dangerous acts or techniques that may be copied or imitated, especially by children
L
Language
use of bad language
N
Nudity
scenes involving nudity
P
Prejudice
scenes or language that is biased or prejudiced with regard to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or other identifiable group characteristics
PPS
Photo Pattern Sensitivity
motion sickness and reactions to low frequency sound
S
Sex
scenes involving sex, sexual conduct or sexually-related activity
