Iconic Parental Advisory sticker being adapted for online sales

The British Phonographic Industry is updating its Parental Advisory Scheme to include sales of online songs and videos.

The parental advisory stickers, which became iconic to hip hop fans, have been placed on physical music and video content since 1995.

But instead of the black and white label covering tracks unsuitable for children because of strong language, sex or violence – they will now display a warning or the word “explicit” alongside music or videos.

Some firms already flag material, but the BPI wants to see a consistent labelling system.
Eight tracks in the current top 40 on the iTunes chart currently carry an “explicit” warning.

But S&M by Rihanna, which has its lyrics bleeped and title changed when included in the chart rundown because of its lyrical content isn’t.

A BPI spokeman said: “We are updating our Parental Advisory Scheme for the digital age to ensure that explicit songs and videos are clearly labelled, giving parents the ability to identify material that may not be appropriate for their children.”