The federal government in Australia has put forward a new regulation that will ensure that online games and mobile phone apps will remain legal during the review of the National Classification Scheme is undertaken by the authorities.

Brendan O'Connor, the federal minister for home affairs and justice explained that the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment (Mobile and Online Computer Games) Bill consider the advancements in technology in the sector.

"The current classification system never envisaged the technology powering smartphones, let alone the rapid development of online games or mobile phone apps," O'Connor said.

He also said that the government is changing its rules to start viewing online games as other online content and it will allow most mobile phone and online games to be offered for the next two years without any classification. The government will allow this while keeping in mind the protection for children from computer games that cause concern.

However, O'Connor said that these rules will now apply to computer games likely to be refused classification and that Commonwealth, State and Territory offences laws would continue to apply. The review of the National Classification Scheme will be undertaken by the Australian Law Reform Commission.