Photo ID Required To Buy/Rent Games In Canada

securitas writes "Metro International newspapers Toronto edition reports that Canadian gamers must now provide photo identification to buy computer and video games. The restriction is part of the Retail Council of Canada's Commitment to Parents initiative, in cooperation with the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) and the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The RCC says that it has the support of 90% of game retailers in the voluntary program. Read the RCC video game photo ID press release. There don't seem to be any guidelines for how the program will be implemented - whether it will be a simple flash of a photo ID card (which many teenagers don't have) or a more detailed user database, with its inherent privacy concerns. The Ontario government plans to come up with its own game ratings system after the Ontario Film Review Board gave Manhunt an 'R' rating. More coverage at the CBC and CTV before and after the official announcement."

Comments

Re:obvious workaround

[Ayaress]

My experience of siblings is generally that, although they may help you buy (booze/cigarettes/porn), they will then randomly blurt it out over dinner a week later. Cousins are generally more reliable for obtaining contraband.

Re:Do parents reallyt want this?

[Concerned Onlooker]

there are some R and NC17 movies that I simply will not allow them to rent.

How old are your kids, and which R and NC17 movies will you allow them to rent?

Not surprising

[CrazyTalk]

After all, ever since 9/11 I have to show a photo ID to rent a movie at Blockbuster. Never really undetstood that myself. Do they think terrorists are out renting movies and not returning them?