(Credit: Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
Earlier this week, former child actors and the children of family influencers spoke out in favour of a bill that would allow people to request that content which featured them as minors be deleted. SB 1247, if passed, will force social media platforms to provide a way for adults to request this type of content be removed if it was created by a family member who made money sharing the material online. Parents or relatives will need to delete or edit the content within 10 business days of receiving the notification, otherwise they could be liable for damages of up to $3,000 a day.
The child of one social media influencer, Caymi Barrett, discussed the emotional impact of photos she wished “never saw the light of day” at an event reported by the LA Times. Her parents' posts allegedly included details about her health and even when she had her first menstrual cycle. Alyson Stoner, a former child actor who starred in movies like Cheaper by the Dozen, discussed her experience with child fame, including her face being superimposed on pornography and stalkers showing up during one of her dance lessons.
“The boundaries have blurred as personal home spaces become sets for content and the child’s real life becomes entertainment,” Stoner told the crowd.
The bill was put forward by Sen. Steve Padilla, D-Chula Vista, who has previously had success in getting comparable legislation to the finish line. The lawmaker supported a bill known as SB 764, which forced family vloggers to set aside money for the child featured in their content. The law came into effect in January 2025.
Though California may be the largest state eyeing legislation that could bring laws in step with the new influencer economy, it’s by no means the only one. Utah and Minnesota have passed broadly similar bills in recent years, giving the children of influencer parents rights, including the right to compensation and content removal under certain circumstances.