In a move that bridges the gap between traditional entertainment and the digital age, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two pivotal bills into law, extending financial protections to child influencers and content creators. This legislation marks a significant step in addressing the evolving landscape of child labor in the entertainment industry.
SB 764: Ensuring a financial future for young content stars
The first bill, SB 764, introduced by state Senator Steve Padilla in December 2023, mandates that content creators featuring children in at least 30% of their content must set aside a proportionate percentage of their earnings in trust for the minor. This law follows in the footsteps of similar legislation passed in Illinois in August 2023, signaling a growing trend in protecting young online personalities.
AB 1880: Expanding the Coogan Law for the digital era
The second bill, AB 1880, introduced by Assemblymember Juan Alanis, expands the scope of the historic Coogan Law to include minors featured in monetized online content. The Coogan Law, originally passed in 1939 to protect child actors, requires parents to put 15% of a minor’s earnings into a trust. This expansion acknowledges the changing nature of child stardom in the age of social media.
A modern solution to a modern problem
Governor Newsom, accompanied by pop star and former Disney Channel actor Demi Lovato, emphasized the importance of these new laws:
“In old Hollywood, child actors were exploited,” Newsom said in a press release on Thursday. “In 2024, it’s now child influencers. Today, that modern exploitation ends through two new laws to protect young influencers on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms.”
Industry support and broader implications
The legislation has garnered support from industry professionals and unions. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the national executive director of SAG-AFTRA, which represents over 150,000 film and television performers, praised the governor’s actions:
“Regardless of medium or platform, all child performers must be strongly protected,” Crabtree-Ireland stated.
California’s move comes as part of a broader national conversation about the rights and protections of child content creators. With the rise of social media platforms, the definition of child stardom has expanded, creating new challenges and opportunities for young performers.
Demi Lovato, who recently released a documentary titled “Child Star” exploring the impact of fame on young entertainers, has been a vocal advocate for increased protections. The documentary highlights the unique vulnerabilities of child influencers compared to their counterparts in traditional entertainment.
Looking ahead
As social media continues to evolve, these laws set a precedent for how states and potentially the federal government might approach the protection of young content creators. The legislation in California and Illinois could serve as a model for other states considering similar protections.
With the digital landscape constantly changing, lawmakers, industry professionals, and child advocates will need to remain vigilant in ensuring that protections keep pace with technological advancements and new forms of online entertainment.
As the lines between traditional and digital media continue to blur, these laws represent a significant step towards ensuring that the next generation of entertainers, regardless of their platform, are protected and secure in their financial futures.
