Age ratings and child protection on IPTV
What do the Hungarian age rating categories mean, how does the law protect minors, and how can you set up a kids' profile and PIN-protected parental controls?
In short
- In Hungary, the Media Act classifies programmes into six categories, from "suitable for all ages" to content that may not be published.
- Age rating labels appear on screen and in the programme guide, and in linear broadcasting they are tied to time-slot restrictions.
- A kids' profile and PIN-protected parental controls make it easy to ensure children only see content suitable for them.
The Hungarian age rating categories
Under the Act on Media Services and Mass Media (Mttv.), media service providers classify programmes into categories based on their effect on minors:
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I. | Suitable for all ages |
| II. | Not recommended for children under six |
| III. | Not recommended for children under twelve |
| IV. | Not recommended for under-sixteens |
| V. | Not recommended for under-eighteens |
| VI. | May not be published |
Categories II–V are indicated by a circled number on screen (6, 12, 16, 18). The stricter the category, the later in the evening the programme may be scheduled on linear TV.
Protection for on-demand content
On-demand (VOD) content has no schedule, so time-slot restrictions cannot apply. Here providers use technical measures – typically a PIN code and a kids' profile – to ensure minors cannot access programmes unsuitable for them.
Setting up parental controls
- Create a kids' profileA kids' profile shows age-appropriate content from the start.
- Set a PIN codeChoose a code your children cannot guess – not a date of birth.
- Set the age limitSpecify from which category the app should ask for the PIN.
- Lock unwanted channelsIf the service allows it, you can hide certain channels completely from the kids' profile.
Streamy offers profiles and parental controls. More: profiles and parental controls.
Tips for family viewing
- Agree together on the rules and time limits for watching TV.
- For younger children, keep the TV and tablet in a shared room where possible.
- Check the age rating in the programme guide before starting a programme together.
- Review and update your parental control settings from time to time.
Help and reporting
Electronic communications providers give information about easy-to-install filtering software that helps protect minors. If you come across content online that is harmful to minors or unlawful, you can report it to the NMHH's Internet Hotline service.
Please note: this article is general information and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulatory practice may change; for a specific case, consult a legal professional or the competent authority.
Frequently asked questions
What does the circled number 16 mean?
It indicates category IV: the programme is not recommended for under-sixteens.
I forgot my parental control PIN. What should I do?
The PIN can usually be reset in the account settings using your account password, or through the provider's customer service.
Is age labelling mandatory for on-demand content?
Rules on the protection of minors also apply to on-demand media services; providers comply with labels and technical protection such as a PIN code.
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