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Wednesday 3 March 2010

Patricia Covarrubia

Law against violent games and toy weapons

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Early on this year, the blog announced Venezuela’s intention to ban any violent video games and toy weapons. Today, the law against this type of games enters into force throughout the national territory.

Wilmer Iglesias, a member of the national Assembly, explained that today the INDEPABIS (Institute in Defence of People's Access to Goods and Services – in other words, consumer protection institute) will begin to audit stores. He affirms that the law "strikes one of the elements that generate violence in the world."

As mentioned in the early blog, a total ban on the "manufacture, importation, distribution, sale and use" of violent video games and toy weapons will restrict the flow of products which are IP protected. I do not imply that because it is protected it should be allowed, but I wonder why such a drastic decision was taken when a more flexible one could have done the same trick, i.e. rating.

Patricia Covarrubia

Patricia Covarrubia