Under this bill, parents or guardians of minors who are vlogging will need to maintain accurate records of the minor's participation, including the content featuring the minor, duration, views and total compensation generated. Additionally, when the minor receives payments, these funds must be placed in a trust account, ensuring the minor has access to this finance upon reaching adulthood. This legislative change is expected to provide a safety net for minors and their families in the digital age, where content creation can generate significant income.
Summary
House Bill 2135, known as the 'digital Coogan law,' aims to protect minors engaged in vlogging by requiring specific regulations and responsibilities for content creators and online platforms. This bill amends Chapter 149 of the General Laws by introducing legal definitions for terms such as 'vlogger,' 'minor,' and 'compensation.' It specifies that minors under the age of 16 engaged in vlogging must have a significant portion of their likeness in the content and receive compensation, thus classifying them as an engaged worker under this new provision.
Contention
The bill may raise concerns over its enforcement and implications for content creators on digital platforms. Some may argue that the provisions could complicate the dynamics between content creators and minor participants, potentially discouraging family-based vlogging entities. Critics worry about the administrative burden placed on vloggers regarding record-keeping and how violations might lead to civil actions, diverting attention from content creation. However, supporters assert that the bill is necessary to protect vulnerable minors from exploitation in the ever-growing digital economy.