Illinois has introduced a new law mandating family influencers to set aside 15% of their gross earnings in a trust for children featured in 30% or more of their online videos. The funds will be accessible to the children when they turn 18.
The law aims to secure children's rights, privacy, and financial interests in the lucrative family vlogging industry. It also allows children to request the deletion of videos they appeared in when they reach adulthood.
The law was influenced by a social justice activist and a high school student, inspired by the 1939 Jackie Coogan Law designed to protect child actors' earnings.
Influencers are required to keep records of children's appearances, and non-compliance may result in fines or punishments.
While some parenting influencers share content with good intentions, experts believe the disadvantages of "sharenting" outweigh the benefits, posing risks to children's privacy and mental health.
Sources: Business Insider, South County Mail, Hypefresh, Quartz, SAN, Dexerto, Daily Mail
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
