Utah’s New Laws: A Shield for Child Influencers

In a groundbreaking move to protect child influencers, Utah has enacted legislation safeguarding minors in monetized online content.

Signed on March 25, 2025, by Governor Spencer Cox, HB 322 dubbed the "Child Actor Regulations" requires parents or guardians earning over $150,000 annually from such content to reserve 15% of the earnings in a trust fund for the child, accessible when they turn 18.

Additionally, once these minors reach adulthood, they can request the removal of any content featuring them as children.

What's the Matter?

The catalyst for this legislation was the harrowing case of Ruby Franke, the once-popular family vlogger behind "8 Passengers." In August 2023, her 12-year-old son was found in a state of neglect, sparking investigations that revealed months of abuse.

Shari Franke, Ruby’s eldest daughter, testified in October 2024, describing herself as "a victim of family vlogging," while Kevin Franke, Ruby’s estranged ex-husband, lamented that

"children cannot give informed consent to be filmed on social media."

These events galvanized lawmakers, leading Rep. Doug Owens, D-Millcreek, to draft HB 322 in collaboration with major digital platforms and child advocacy groups.

As social media continues to redefine fame, this legislation underscores a vital promise: the well-being and rights of our youngest citizens must come first.

For the full story, visit Utah Protecting Child Influencers.