Can video game ratings be enforced by law?

Yes, video game ratings can be enforced by law in Virginia. The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation in 2006 making it illegal for retailers to sell or rent video games rated "M" or "AO" to anyone under the age of 18. This means retailers must check the IDs of anyone they suspect may be under 18 when they are attempting to purchase or rent a video game that is rated M or AO. Retailers who violate this law will be subject to a civil penalty of up to $2,500. Additionally, it is illegal for anyone to give or sell a violent video game to a minor. The Virginia Violent Video Games law, enacted in 2005, states that it is a felony to give or sell a violent video game to someone under 18 years old. Anyone caught selling or giving violent video games to a minor can be punished by a fine of up to $2500 and/or one year in prison. To ensure that video game ratings are enforced in Virginia, the Virginia General Assembly created the Virginia Communications and Technology Commission in 2011. The commission works to ensure that Virginia’s laws related to communications and technology are being followed. This includes monitoring the sale of video games and enforcing video game rating laws. Overall, video game ratings can be enforced by law in Virginia. People selling or giving video games rated M or AO to minors can be punished with fines or even jail time, while retailers can face hefty fines as well. The Virginia Communications and Technology Commission works to ensure that these regulations are followed.

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Can video game ratings be enforced by law?

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