PEGI implementation delayed again
UKIE attacks government for dragging its feet.
The government has still not started implementing the PEGI rating system, despite it being signed into law 18 months ago, according to industry body UK Interactive Entertainment.
The UKIE claim that the Statutory Instrument needed to bring it into force has not been notified to Europe or put before the House of Commons - a process that can take at least six months.
"This further delay to PEGI's implementation is extremely frustrating not to mention disappointing," commented UKIE chairman Andy Payne.
"We have received repeated assurances from government that the process is in hand, yet PEGI is still no closer to implementation.
"It is also disappointing that a government constantly - and quite rightly - pressuring industry to put measures in place to protect children - can't seem to deliver on its side of the bargain."
UKIE says it has been in regular contact with the Department of Culture Media and Sport to ensure the Statutory Instrument is drafted correctly, but apparently the government still hasn't filed the necessary paperwork.
"The government has set its stock by making the UK one of the best places in Europe to do business yet despite industry consistently calling on the government to introduce the necessary measures to reduce the cost of doing business, we have been hit by delay after delay," complained Payne.
"It seems that the much talked about red tape has yet again got in the way of creating wealth for UKPLC."