게임물 등급분류 제도의 문제점 및 개선의 방향

Abstract

While the intent of game rating policy is to protect youth by informing on the appropriate age for use of games, the way Korea ‘s statutory pre-rating system is run differs considerably from rating policies found in other countries. Although self-regulation is showing a growing trend, the Game Rating and Administration Committee in Korea still has strong control over the contents and the way services are provided by the game providers in Korea. This is based on the administration of the pre and post rating policy which may result in criminal punishment and suspension of business for violators. Under the surface of these powerful regulations there are issues of regulatory agencies arbitrarily applying the criteria of speculation and abuse of the right to reject and revoke ratings. These work to hamper the creativeness and innovation in the game industry. The perspective that game rating policy may be used as an instrument to block speculation, as is found in the Game Industry Promotion Act, is something that should be discouraged. This is because unless the instrument is used as a tool of censorship, the purpose of regulating speculation is an illusion. This paper proposes that as is practiced overseas, the Korean rating policy should overcome the regulation paradigm and more self-regulation should be encouraged to enable the policy instruments to serve their intended purpose of informing users of the appropriate age for using games.