California Bills Setting A Precedent For Other States To Protect These Vulnerable People

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In a significant move to safeguard the financial well-being of minors in the digital entertainment industry, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law Assembly Bill 1880 (AB 1880) and Senate Bill 764 (SB 764). These legislative actions, which were spotlighted by Governor Newsom in a recent post on his X account, aim to extend protections similar to those offered by the Coogan Law to child influencers on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Assembly Bill 1880, authored by Assembly member Juan Alanis, expands the protections of the Coogan Law. Traditionally, the Coogan Law ensures that a portion of earnings for child actors is set aside in trust accounts for them to access once they reach adulthood. This bill now includes children who earn money through social media, ensuring they too have financial security safeguarded for their future.

Senate Bill 764, authored by Senator Steve Padilla, complements AB 1880 by focusing on the prevention of financial abuse in the digital entertainment industry. It aims to ensure that children are not exploited financially due to their digital fame.

The rise of social media has created a new category of entertainers - child influencers. These children, often not legally adults, can generate significant income through advertising, sponsorships, and content creation. However, without legal protections, their earnings could be entirely controlled by parents or guardians, with no guarantee of future financial security for the children themselves when they become adults.

Celebrity and activist Demi Lovato was highlighted by Governor Newsom for her advocacy in this area. Lovato's involvement underscores the growing awareness and concern over how young entertainers in the digital space are treated, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and protection against exploitation.

These laws represent a pioneering step in California, potentially setting a precedent for other states or even federal regulations. They reflect an evolution in how society views children's rights in the digital age, acknowledging that the entertainment landscape has expanded far beyond traditional media like film and television.