Does the law protect young online influencers?

Full Episode description

WARNING: Adults might want to listen to this episode before listening with young children, as we mention the words self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders in the context of examples of harmful online content.

What are the legal implications for young people becoming influencers online? What happens if brands offer them sponsorship deals? These activities raise commercial, consent and ownership legal issues.

Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to Steve Kuncewicz, Partner at Glaisyers Solicitors. Steve is an expert in the law that affects the creative, digital and marketing world and he joined the our hosts to talk about the main legal issues affecting children creators of online content in the UK including:

·      General legal issues affecting online content creators

·      Young people and contracts and sponsorship deals

·      Social media platforms responsibilities and the Online Safety Act 

·      Challenges when parents involve their children in content creation

·      Cases and laws in USA lto protect young online content creators

 When Steve was 10  years old, he said he was geeky and still is! He wanted to be a writer and imagined he would be Batman!

References and Resources

Steve Kuncewicz 

Child Content Creators: What Is Protecting Minors from Exploitation?

Teen Vogue article 2023: Influencer Parents and The Kids Who Had Their Childhood Made Into Content

UCLA Law Review

Child Influencers and Commercial Challenges

Kids Law podcasts on other related topics:

How can laws protect creative works?

How the ICO works to protect children online                           

How young people can be protected online NSPCC perspective

Does the law control when a child can work and get paid for it?

Online Safety Act – what is being done to keep children safe online

If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo

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