Develop and use a classification tool

What is a classification tool?

A classification tool (tool) is a questionnaire, computer program or other interface that allows a person or artificial intelligence to classify content. Industry can use approved tools to classify online films or computer games in Australia, instead of applying to the Classification Board or using an accredited classifier.

Tools use algorithms and logic rules that reflect the criteria in the National Classification Scheme. This ensures tool decisions align with Australian legislation and Classification Board decisions.

When a tool has classified a film or computer game, it sends us the decision using an Application Processing Interface (API), and it is published on the National Classification Database (NCD).

Decisions made by approved tools are taken to be decisions of the Classification Board.

Approved classification tools

There are four tools approved for use in Australia:

IARC Global Rating Tool for mobile and online computer games
Netflix Classification Tool for online films and TV series
Spherex Classification Tool for films and TV series
Amazon Classification Tool for films and TV series.

Instrument downloads

How do I develop a tool?

The department helps industry to develop a tool and seek Ministerial approval. We also monitor and evaluate the performance of approved tools.

Developing a tool

An individual, entity or group can develop a tool.

We work with tool developers to:

program their tool logic
test the API and integration with the NCD
assess the accuracy of tool decisions against the criteria
execute contractual documents
seek ministerial approval of the tool.

Please contact us for more information on developing a tool.

Getting a classification tool approved

The Minister must approve a tool for use in Australia.

The tool approval guidelines contain matters that the Minister must consider when deciding to approve a tool. This includes that a tool must:

produce ratings and consumer advice that are consistent with Classification Board decisions
be able to refuse classification to content
respond to changes in the National Classification Scheme
give notice of decisions to the NCD.

The Minister can:

approve a tool with conditions
enter into an arrangement with the tool owner relating to the tool’s operation
vary the approval conditions upon mutual agreement with the tool owner
revoke the approval if the tool does not meet its conditions or obligations.

Once my tool is approved

Once approved, tool owners and users can start submitting classification decisions through the API to the NCD. It is a timely and cost-effective option for classifying content.

A tool owner can also choose to classify a specific film or computer game by:

Classification decisions made by an approved tool cannot be withheld from being published on the NCD. In these instances, tool owners and users will need to apply to the Classification Board or use an accredited classifier.

Applying tool decisions to other formats

A tool decision for a film or computer game will apply in Australia to all other formats of that film or game, providing they are identical to the version classified by the tool.

You can learn more on our classify once webpage.

Apply for an approved classification tool certificate

The Classification Board can issue an approved classification tool certificate (tool certificate) to developers and publishers if they need confirmation that a tool decision applies.

The Board can only issue a tool certificate if:

the classification decision is published on the NCD, which you can check via the search-bar above
the version is identical, or any modifications made are exempt from classification to the original film or computer game that has been classified by the tool.

If the classification decision is not on the NCD or there are modifications that are not exempt from classification, the Classification Board will not issue a tool certificate.

Monitoring and evaluating tools

We monitor and evaluate the performance of approved tools. This includes:

the Classification Board checking tool decisions
checking services display the rating and consumer advice
working with the tool owner to update tool logic where needed
evaluating the performance of the tool.

Checking tool decisions

The Classification Board may choose to check a tool decision:

upon request of a Minister, tool owner or publisher
if the rating is too high
if the rating is too low
if the consumer advice does not reflect the content.

The Classification Board may require the tool owner or publisher to provide access to the content, such as the film or the gameplay footage. This can be provided via:

a link to an online platform or website
upload to Box secure cloud storage, or
a physical copy delivered to the Classification Board’s office.

Revoking tool decisions

As a result of a check, the Classification Board can revoke a tool decision if it is of the view the content should have a different rating or consumer advice.

If the Classification Board revokes a decision, it will:

classify the content and produce a new decision
publish the new decision on the NCD
notify the tool owner of the new decision.