The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) has classified films in the UK since 1912 and videos/DVDs since 1984. It is an independent, non-government organization that regulates age ratings for movies and video games. Local authorities organize the BBFC's certification process and pass the ratings onto distributors. Movie companies fund the BBFC and pay fees for each film classified. The BBFC was established to provide a national system for reviewing films and assigning age-based ratings to help protect children.