EURIM Briefing 19 - APPENDIX H
Summary of Content Regulation in the UK

CONTENT REGULATORS in the UK

BODY	SCOPE	STRUCTURE	STATUS	POWERS	REACTIVE/PRESCRIPTIVE
ITC	Independent broadcast/cable/satellite. Advertising and programme content (Internet ="licensable programme services" ?)	Commission. Membership: independent	Statutory. Broadcasting Act -1990	Fines, licence withdrawal	Prescriptive: licensing Reactive: Codes, complaints handling. Advisory (BACC)
RA	Radio (commercial) programme and advertising content	Commission. Membership: independent	Statutory. Broadcasting Act -1990	Fines, licence withdrawal	Prescriptive: licensing Reactive: Codes, complaints handling Advisory (RACC)
BSC	Broadcast (public and independent), satellite and cable programme content	Commission. Membership: independent	Statutory. Broadcasting Act (1996)	Public censure	Reactive: complaints handling Research
ICSTIS	Telephone services content and advertising	Committee. Membership: independent	Non statutory Independent regulator Public law body Contract based	Fines, service withdrawal	Prescriptive: approvals for certain services. Reactive: Codes complaints handling Advisory
IWF	News group: articles Webpages (illegal material only)	Policy Board (Advisory not adjudicatory) Membership: industry/ independent	Non-statutory Self regulatory Public law body?	Referral to enforcement agency	Reactive: complaints handling (reporting)
ISPA	News groups: articles	Executive Membership: industry	Non-statutory Self regulatory	Withdrawal of Association membership	Reactive: Code, complaint handling (?)
BBFC	Films and videos (Videos - VSC, computer games, ELSPA)	Examining Board Membership: independent	Non-statutory Independent regulator Public law body? Recognition by Secretary of State (in respect of classification function - Video Recordings Act 1984)	Cut material Powers lie in local authorities	Prescriptive: classification
ASA	Non broadcast advertising content	Council Membership: industry/ independent	Non-statutory Independent regulator Public law body Misleading Ads Regulations - DGFT Powers of injunction	Public censure	Reactive: Codes, complaints handling Advisory
BBC	BBC programme content	Board of Governors Programme Complaints Unit Membership: 'industry'	Non-statutory Self regulatory	Broadcast correction statements	Reactive: Complaints handling, guidelines

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