Game of Thrones and Euphoria Get BBFC Age Ratings with New AI Tool

TV fans in the UK can now breathe a sigh of relief as popular shows like The Pitt and a Game of Thrones spinoff have finally received age ratings thanks to the British Board of Film Classification using new AI technology. This tool helps flag scenes with violence, nudity, and bad language so that human reviewers at the BBFC can make informed decisions.

The debut of this AI technology means that all HBO Max titles, including the acclaimed medical drama The Pitt, now have BBFC age ratings just in time for the platform’s launch in the UK. The Pitt landed a 15 rating, while the Game of Thrones spinoff A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms got an overall rating of 18, with most episodes rated at 15.

For those unfamiliar with BBFC ratings, they range from U for all ages, to 18 for adult content containing strong sex and violence. David Austin, BBFC chief executive, praised the new AI tool as a game-changer in helping families make safe viewing choices by identifying contentious scenes efficiently.

In some initial testing, the AI tool showed signs of being overly cautious, like mistaking a splash of red paint for human blood. This is why it’s crucial for experienced compliance officers to make the final calls in classifying content.

While streaming services like HBO Max are not required to submit their content for BBFC review, the majority of their UK catalogue, including popular titles like The Sympathizer and Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo, have been rated using this new technology. This system is trained on BBFC guidelines and generates reports for human reviewers to watch and vet the flagged scenes.

Thanks to this AI tool, the BBFC was able to classify the entire HBO Max catalogue in just six months, a process that would have taken over four years if done manually. Despite the technological assistance, the final age ratings and content advice are still determined by BBFC staff. This progress marks a significant leap forward in ensuring a safe and informed viewing experience for audiences across the UK.