Establishes protections for minors who are featured in compensated video content

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic9

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why John Liu says this is needed

The Internet has created a world where anyone with a smartphone can become a producer of content and parents and other caretakers can easily upload videos of children, creating viral moments. Child influencers, or children who star in online content that generates earnings for the account holder, lack the protections granted to children working in the film and television industry. With more parents and children creating social media content each day, there is an increased need for regu- lations to protect children against exploitation. In 2016, Myka and James Stauffer rose to internet fame as they chroni- cled their family's journey to adopt a special needs child named Huxley from China. Huxley's participation in the content created by the Stauf- fers yielded lucrative results, including product sponsorships, and garnered millions of loyal viewers. Unfortunately, the couple shockingly revealed their decision to "rehome" Huxley nearly 2 1/2 years after his adoption. It is unclear whether the child reaped any financial benefit from the franchise he had no choice in creating. Our labor laws have not kept pace with the digital age, and as a result, "kid influencers" are falling through the cracks. This bill will ensure that children that participate in creating online content receive their share of earnings that the content may generate. Like children working in the film and television industry, this legislation would require the creation of a trust account for minors when their appearances make up a significant portion of the content shared on such account and generates earnings. The earnings set aside shall become available to child upon turning eighteen.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.