WHY IT MATTERS
Laws concerning children in monetised online content are evolving.
Some jurisdictions have introduced or considered measures concerning children’s earnings, record-keeping, removal rights, monetised content and labour protections. Requirements vary significantly depending on location, and family creators may face increasing responsibilities as lawmakers respond to concerns about child influencers and family vlogging.
1. EXPECT REGULATION TO EVOLVE
Rules covering child influencers and family content are still developing.
2. KNOW THE LAW WHERE YOU LIVE
Requirements can vary substantially between countries, states and other jurisdictions.
3. KEEP PARTICIPATION RECORDS
Families may benefit from documenting how frequently children participate in monetized content.
4. KEEP FINANCIAL RECORDS
Clear records can help demonstrate how revenue connected to children’s participation has been handled.
5. RESPECT GROWING AUTONOMY
Children should have increasing involvement in decisions about their online presence as they mature.
6. BE PREPARED FOR REMOVAL RIGHTS
Some legal frameworks may provide children with stronger rights concerning content published about them.
7. LIMIT COMMERCIAL EXPOSURE
Responsible boundaries should exist regardless of whether legislation specifically requires them.
8. GET LEGAL ADVICE WHEN NECESSARY
Significant monetized content involving children can create complicated responsibilities.
9. PLAN FOR BUSINESS CHANGES
New regulation could affect how family content is produced, monetized or stored.
10. DON’T WAIT FOR GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD
Ethical safeguards can go further than the minimum required by law.
BOTTOM LINE
The law may keep changing, but protecting a child’s privacy, welfare and future should never depend on waiting for legislation.