21/01/2010
Venezuelan Assembly passes new “Law prohibiting war video games and war toys�
Fuente:  Mónica Granadillo Sánchez-Bello

On December 3, 2009, the Venezuelan National Assembly passed the “Law Prohibiting War Videogames and War Toys”.

The object of such law is to restrain all commercial activity related to this type of products, including the manufacturing, importation, distribution, advertising and even its use in the entire Venezuelan territory. This is the result of the concept that these games and toys are against the principle that they should promote the respect for life, creativity, healthy entertainment and the spirit of peace and brotherhood, and that all war activities are an exclusive matter of the Venezuelan Government.

One of the main chapters of this regulation is the sanctions established for the infringement of its dispositions. A fine could range from approximately USD 50.000 to USD 100.000 when carrying activities oriented to the promotion of commercialization or use of war videogames and toys; and imprisonment for three (3) to five (5) years for the importation, manufacturing, selling, renting or distribution of such goods. These sanctions imply as well the destruction of the videogames and toys.

Also, in this Law it is recognized that the Venezuelan government will assume the promotion of national production and importation of toys and videogames suitable for children, and additionally will invest the resources obtained from the fines aforementioned, in developing plans and projects oriented to prevent crime and fomenting educational, cultural and sport programs.

An obligation for schools, universities and radio and TV media, has been established to develop and implement programs related to the dangerousness of war toys and videogames, as well as the diffusion of the dispositions of this Law.

Finally this law will effectively became in force as from March 03rd 2010, and during this three months period any person possessing war toys and videogames should voluntarily give them in, for its destruction. After this time lapses, those people possessing or commercializing war toys and war videogames will be considered as infringers, and liable for the legal consequences.

Volume V, Issue I - GALA Gazette, http://www.gala-marketlaw.com