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FPB confident more applications including movies and games will be available to market soon

10 / 2012

In the past week we saw the launch of iTunes in South Africa to much fan-fare and excitement from potential users who have been agitating for iTunes for some time. The launch of this international facility to our market signals a new avenue for the distribution of games, films and music in South Africa.

Indeed, it has been the collective wish of many South Africans that iTunes opens its doors to the South African market for quite a while and the massive reaction to the news of its launch this week bears testament.

Chief Executive Officer of the Film and Publication Board, Ms. Yoliswa Makhasi said: “the FPB has been in discussions with iTunes in the past few months regarding compliance with the Films and Publication Act; and it is the positive nature of such discussions that have led to the point where iTunes is now accessible to South Africans.”

More often than not, the public has been led to believe the FPB was the reason behind the delayed launch of iTunes in South Africa due to licensing requirements often quoted as being ‘complicated’.

It is our observation that the launch of iTunes to the South African market was announced alongside a group of other countries where new iTunes stores were launched on the same day. “It took less than a month for the Film and Publication Board to process their official application for registration as a distributor of content in South Africa” says Ms. Makhasi.

It is the assumption of the FPB that iTunes, like all businesses, follows a particular strategy on the roll-out of its products across the globe and more often than not, products are launched in varied phases and periods world-wide based on such strategies. A case in point is the launch of the iPhone 5, which we expect in SA in the coming weeks but which have been in circulation in other markets for over three months.

“In distributing films in South Africa, iTunes is fully aware that they can only distribute films that have been classified by the Film and Publication Board; and bear our labeling.”

“With regards to the distribution of online games on iTunes, discussions between the FPB and iTunes head-office in Luxembourg are at an advance stage and it is our hope that South Africans will be able to access this facility soon” concluded Ms. Makhasi

The FPB has committed itself to empower consumers with information so they can make informed viewing, gaming and reading choices; as well as advise viewers on the age suitability of such content in an effort to protect children. In this regard, the law requires that FPB classifies these games and films so that we are able to put the power in the hands of consumers to know what the content of the game or film before consuming.

As we approach the festive season, consumers are advised to obey the age-restrictions on games and films and to make wise choices on behalf of their children and those in their care.

FOR FURTHER COMMENTS AND QUERIES YOU MAY CONTACT PRINCE MLIMANDLELA NDAMASE (Spokesperson) on 083 480 0014.

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