Australian Classification Board

The Australian Classification Board (ACB or CB) is an Australian Government statutory body responsible for the classification and censorship of films, video games and publications for exhibition, sale or hire in Australia. The ACB was established in 1970 and was once part of the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC), which was dissolved in 2006. The Department of Communications and the Arts now provides administrative support to the ACB and decisions made by the ACB may be reviewed by the Australian Classification Review Board. The ACB now operates under the Commonwealth Classification Act 1995.
The ACB does not directly censor material by ordering cuts or changes. However, it is able to effectively censor media by refusing classification and making the media illegal for hire, exhibition and importation to Australia.
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==Ratings==
 
G (General) – These films and computer games are for general viewing. However, G does not conclusively mean a children’s film or game because many of these productions contain content that would be of no interest to children.
The content is very mild.
 
PG (Parental Guidance) – These films and computer games contain material that a parent might need to explain to younger children.
The content is mild.
 
M (Mature) – These films and computer games contain material that requires a mature perspective.
The content is moderate.
 
MA15+ (Mature Accompanied) – People under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the film in the cinema. Parental permission to see an MA15+ film is not sufficient. People under 15 are not permitted to hire or buy films or computer games classified MA15+.
The content is strong.
== Previous video game ratings ==
These ratings are still shown on some older video games that are still on sale in Australia.
	G — General : The G classification is for a general audience.
	G8+ — General for children over 8 years of age: Material classified G8+ may contain material which some children find confusing or upsetting, and may require the guidance of parents or guardians. It is not recommended for viewing by persons under 8 without guidance from parents or guardians.
	M15+ — Mature: Material classified M15+ is not recommended for persons under 15 years of age. There are no legal restrictions on access.
	MA15+ — Mature Restricted: Material classified MA15+ is considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age. It is a legally restricted category. If your children are under 15 they cannot buy or hire an MA15+ computer game unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
==See also==
*CERO — The Japanese computer and video game rating system.
*ESRB — The United States and Canadian computer and video game rating system.
*ELSPA — The former British computer and video game rating system, replaced by the PEGI ratings.
*PEGI — The European computer and video game rating system.
OFLC