Michael Atkinson, champion of video game censorship and the sole man preventing an R18+ rating to be implemented for video games in Australia is now responsible for a new law which forces anyone in the state of South Australia (note his state) to publish their real name and post code if they comment about the upcoming state election.

This apparently is not just limited to news websites/blogs but may also end up applying to talkback radio and potentially online places such as Facebook.

The law, which was pushed through last year as part of a raft of amendments to the Electoral Act and supported by the Liberal Party, also requires media organisations to keep a person's real name and full address on file for six months, and they face fines of $5000 if they do not hand over this information to the Electoral Commissioner.

This law apparently contradicts federal law which allows users to use a pseudonym.

Atkinson believes this does not impede on free speech; I'm confused. I find this law crazy, and I'm happy I do not live in South Australia. I've wasted no time emailing my local federal member to ask whether the federal government is happy to allow a crazed state government to pass such law.

Why is this relevant to the gaming world you ask? Because Michael Atkinson as previously stated essentially currently controls video game censorship. Therefore any comments about him in relation to the upcoming election would have to include a full name and postcode theoratically on gaming websites and blogs for those living in the state. Should prove very interesting to see how this pans out...

Source: News.com.au