Illinois has passed a new law requiring parents to set aside 15% of the proceeds from videos showing their children, which is a significant step in the state’s efforts to protect young social media stars. Children who show up in at least 30% of the family’s social media posts are eligible to get this money. Until the child turns eighteen, the funds will be held in a trust.
Trust funds and legal rights
The trust funds will become available to these children once they reach adulthood. If the rules are broken, they have the option to file a lawsuit and request that their videos be taken down. Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois signed this bill, and it became operative on July 1.
Background of the law
The law was inspired by cases in the past of maltreatment of children. Toy Freaks and DaddyOFive, two YouTube channels, were taken down in 2017 due to accusations of abuse. The goal of this law is to give social media kids the same protection as young actors in films and television shows.
Jessica Maddox, a professor at the University of Alabama, emphasized the need for such protections. “As we see influencers and content creators becoming more and more of a viable career path for young people, we have to remember that this is a place where the law has not caught up to practice,” she said to the Associated Press.
The impact of social media on children is increasing. Channels that are successful, like Ryan Kaji’s, can earn millions of dollars. Kaji’s toy review videos brought in an estimated $26 million in revenue in 2019. The new law guarantees young influencers receive an equitable portion of the earnings from their labor.
Growing awareness and support
Shreya Nallamothu, a social justice activist, pushed for this law. She noted the lack of protections for children involved in “kidfluencing.” Naomi Cahn, a professor at the University of Virginia, supports the law. “It’s an amazing example of civics in action,” she said.