Federal Bill Proposes Warning on Videogames
On January 7, Representatives Joe Baca (D, CA) and Frank Wolf (R, VA) introduced "The Video Game Health Labeling Act of 2009." The bill was referred to the House Energy & Commerce Committee and would require that games with a "T" rating or higher from the Electronics Software Ratings Board (ESRB) receive a warning label. "The warning label... shall be placed in a clear and conspicuous location on the packaging of the applicable video game and shall state: 'WARNING: Excessive exposure to violent video games and other violent media has been linked to aggressive behavior.'"
FI thinks it unlikely that this bill will make much headway. Given the nature of the warning, the Energy & Commerce Committee, along with any voting officials, will have to address the entire body of evidence concerning the relationship between games and violence. Given that the courts have already ruled that no clear link has been established, even should this bill pass, it will probably be successfully fought by industry trade groups in court.
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