18

In accordance with the Human Rights Act 1998, the BBFC's concerns are unlikely to override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment.

Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• Where the material is in breach of criminal law or has been created through the commission of criminal offence
• Where the material or treatment appears to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, society. For example the detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts or illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health and morals. This includes portrayals of sexualised violence which may eroticise or endorse sexual assault
• Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. These may be acceptable in R18 works or "sex works"

In the case of video works, judgment may be harsher than in cinemas, due to the greater accessibility to younger viewers

Sex Education at 18

• Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted

Sex Works at 18

• Those whose primary purpose is that of sexual arousal or stimulation
• Those containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed as 18
• Those containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images or other very strong sexual images will be confined to R18 catergory