A Global Overview and Industry Implications
Creativity comes at any age. In a world where children have access to technology practically from birth its not surprising some would want to try their hands at it from a young age. Unfortunately, when the creations of children can be monetized, this leaves an opportunity for them to be taken advantage of. Situations such as the recent controversy in Illinois have put a spotlight on this issue. The rise of child influencers- minors featured in monetized social media content- has prompted a wave of new legislation worldwide. These laws aim to protect children from exploitation, ensure fair compensation, and grant them greater control over their digital identities. Below is a summary of the latest legal developments, their significance for creators, and what they mean for the future of the industry.
Historically, child performers in film and television have been protected by “Coogan Laws,” requiring earnings to be set aside in trust. Until recently, no such protections existed for children in influencer content, leaving many vulnerable to financial exploitation by parents or guardians. New laws close this gap, ensuring children receive a fair share of the profits generated from their likeness and labor.
Many laws now grant children the right to request the deletion or editing of content they appeared in as minors, giving them agency over their digital footprint as they reach adulthood.
Regulations in France and Minnesota require parental disclosure of working hours and conditions, mirroring child labor protections in traditional entertainment. This aims to prevent overwork and ensure children’s participation is voluntary and safe.
Empowering children to sue for unpaid compensation or privacy violations provides a strong deterrent against parental misuse and sets a precedent for accountability.
With several U.S. states and countries like France and Australia leading the way, more jurisdictions are expected to adopt similar laws. The trend is toward harmonizing digital child labor protections with those in traditional media, and extending privacy rights to minors.
Content creators and agencies must adapt to new compliance requirements, maintaining records, establishing trusts, and responding to content removal requests. Non-compliance can result in legal action, reputational harm, and financial penalties.
There is growing pressure on social media companies to enforce these laws, including age verification, content moderation, and facilitating deletion requests. Future reforms may require platforms to play a more active role in protecting minors.
These developments reflect a broader societal shift toward recognizing children’s rights online-balancing commercial interests with the best interests of the child, as emphasized in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“The enactment of this law marks a pivotal moment for the extensive family vlogging sector, where parental influencers profit from showcasing their children on social media. Critics argue that children lack the capacity to provide meaningful consent for their online presence and condemn parents who capitalize on their images.”5
Child influencer and social media laws are rapidly evolving, setting new standards for the protection of minors in the digital economy. These laws are crucial not only for safeguarding children’s earnings and privacy but also for shaping a more ethical and sustainable future for the creator industry. As more regions adopt such protections, creators, platforms, and families must stay informed and compliant-or risk legal and societal backlash.
I for one am glad we are taking steps to protect our youngest creators so they can continue to develop their own style while still getting to enjoy being children
---Articles Referenced in this Blog---
https://lsj.com.au/articles/a-grey-zone-regulations-on-the-rights-of-child-influencers/
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/illinois-child-influencer-law-1235053914/
https://www.romanolaw.com/utah-passes-landmark-law-to-protect-child-influencers/
https://thespringgroup.org/articles/recommendations-to-combat-child-exploitation-in-social-media
About the Author
Nikki Lopez is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the startup world, specializing in leveraging creative content and community building to empower content creators. Known for a strategic approach and a deep understanding of audience needs, Nikki has a proven track record of leading the development of engaging content strategies and guiding the growth of thriving communities. Her leadership focuses on fostering meaningful interactions and impactful journeys for both creators and their audiences.