BBFC

News Summary:

On September 16, 2026, BBFC released a joint statement with partners regarding the future of social media regulation, underscoring its independent, not-for-profit mission to help UK families select age-appropriate films, videos, and websites. The organization also highlighted its role in classifying Video On Demand and music videos, and assisting mobile phone operators with parental controls. Previously, on September 4, 2026, David Austin OBE announced his retirement as Chief Executive, effective July 2027, after 23 years with the organization, including 10 years as CEO. He will continue to serve on the BBFC Board to provide strategic guidance. In August 2026, BBFC partnered with Lionsgate to launch its "Create the Card" competition for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," inviting young people aged 12 to 16 to design the official BBFC Black Card for the film's UK cinema release on November 20, 2026. This followed the publication of its 2025 Annual Report on June 28, 2026, which revealed the classification of the highest number of cinema films in its 113-year history and the first deployment of AI to support safer streaming. Earlier in June 2026, BBFC announced eight-year-old Tommy from Blackpool as the winner of its "Create the Card" competition, in collaboration with Disney and Pixar for "Toy Story 5," with his winning design appearing before every UK cinema screening of the film.