LONDON -- The U.K. government revealed Tuesday it is launching a review of censorship laws amid mounting concern about the rise in gun violence.
Lord Warner, chairman of the government's Youth Justice Board, is particularly concerned about the influence of violent films, videogames and rap music on young people.
Entertainment orgs oppose stiffer censorship, but have agreed to take part in the review.
"The government does not tell us what our guidelines should be. They are publicly researched guidelines," said a rep for the British Board of Film Classification.
"There are very strict rules regarding violence on television, and we do a lot of research into the subject to make sure our rules are in line with viewers' expectations and changing trends," said a rep for TV watchdog the Independent Television Commission.
Last week the Home Office released figures revealing gun crime had increased by 35% from 2001 to 2002.
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