Other Restriction Mechanisms
Indexing is not the only mechanism in use in Germany by which broader circulation of certain media works is prevented. Works may also receive a confiscation order by a court when certain articles of the Strafgesetzbuch apply to them, for example, glorification of violence or denial of the Holocaust. Confiscation results in a nationwide ban on its sale even to adults; the mere possession of such material remains legal (with the exception of child pornography).
A well-known example of a confiscated work is Wolfenstein 3D, which was confiscated due to the use of Nazi symbols such as swastikas. Since it has not been clarified in court whether video games constitute a form of art (like e.g. movies), the same may happen to all its successors and any other computer game displaying Nazi symbols.
Read more about this topic: Federal Department For Media Harmful To Young Persons
Famous quotes containing the word restriction:
“If we can find a principle to guide us in the handling of the child between nine and eighteen months, we can see that we need to allow enough opportunity for handling and investigation of objects to further intellectual development and just enough restriction required for family harmony and for the safety of the child.”
—Selma H. Fraiberg (20th century)