In a significant move, the state of Illinois has become the first in the country to pass a law specifically designed to protect children influencers. This groundbreaking legislation aims to ensure that the young ones, who often find themselves in the spotlight due to their parents’ online presence, are shielded from potential harm and exploitation. With the rise of social media influencing, Illinois has taken a proactive step towards safeguarding the well-being and privacy of these vulnerable children.
The bill was passed through the Illinois Senate unanimously back in March but was signed into law on August 11. According to the new legislation, parents of teens under the age of 16 will be legally required to set aside a portion of the revenue generated by any monetized online video content into a trust that they will be able to access once they turn 18. If parents fail to do so, the child will be able to sue for compensation under the Illinois Child Labor Law.
Alex Gough, a spokesperson for Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said in a statement to Teen Vogue, “The internet provides more opportunities for children to display their creativity than ever before. In the event that minors are able to profit from that creativity, they deserve to be shielded from parents who would attempt to take advantage of their child’s talents and use them for their own financial gain.”
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The idea for the legislation came from Shreya Nallamothu, a 15-year-old high school student in Koehler’s district. Shreya brought her proposal to State Senator Dave Koehler with concerns that money made by child influencers is not protected. “The rise of social media has given children new opportunities to earn a profit,” said Koehler. “Many parents have taken this opportunity to pocket the money while making their children continue to work in these digital environments.”
The newly enacted law in Illinois recognizes the unique challenges faced by children growing up in the digital age and seeks to address them comprehensively. It emphasizes the importance of protecting the privacy, safety, and mental well-being of these children, while still respecting the rights of their influencer parents.
One of the key provisions of the legislation is the protection of personal information of influencers’ children. It prohibits the unauthorized use, disclosure, or sale of their personal data, ensuring that their sensitive information remains private and secure. This provision aims to prevent potential exploitation or misuse of such data by malicious individuals or organizations.
Illinois’ legislation also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the educational needs of influencers’ children are met. It encourages influencers to prioritize their children’s education and provides resources and guidance to help them navigate the challenges of balancing online fame with a proper education. The law recognizes that education plays a vital role in the overall development and future prospects of these children.
Illinois has set a remarkable precedent by becoming the first state in the country to pass legislation specifically aimed at safeguarding the children of influencers. This pioneering law demonstrates the state’s commitment to ensuring the privacy, safety, and overall well-being of these young individuals who may find themselves thrust into the public eye due to their parents’ online presence.
With the signing of SB1782, Sen. Koehler, who introduced the bill, doesn’t think the progress will end just here. “I think you’ll see other states following us on this.”