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US states are finally starting to put in place protections for the kids of family vloggers
Jessica Maddox, University of Alabama
Ruby Franke was once one of the most popular YouTube family vloggers, posting videos featuring her husband and six children on her channel, 8 Passengers, that racked up over 1 billion views.
In some, she chronicled their family vacations and family activities, such as painting together. In others, she detailed how she banned her 16-year-old son from sleeping in his bedroom for seven months and threatened to behead a stuffed animal.
In August 2023, Franke was charged with child abuse and pleaded guilty four months later.
While the crimes that led to the charges, such as denying her kids water and handcuffing them for extended periods of time, didn’t appear on 8 Passengers, her children viewed the vlogging as a larger pattern of abuse.
In October 2024, 21-year-old Shari Franke, Ruby’s oldest daughter, testified to Utah lawmakers about what being a child influencer against her will had done to her.
“I come today as a victim of family vlogging,” Shari said, “to shed light on the ethical and monetary issues that come from being a child influencer.” She added, “If I could go back and do it all again, I’d rather have an empty bank account now and not have my childhood plastered all over the internet. No amount of money I received has made what I’ve experienced worth it.”
Her testimony took place just a few weeks after California passed a law mandating that a portion of proceeds from social media content featuring kids must be set aside in a trust for the child when they turn 18.
I’m a social media researcher who’s spent the past two years advocating for the children of family vloggers. As recently as 18 months ago, I’d written about how there were no legal protections for the children of influencers, even as child actors have robust laws in place to protect their earnings.
Now that’s starting to change – but there’s still more work to be done.
New laws for a new age
Some children featured in their parents’ social media content go viral as toddlers; others have their first menstrual cycles broadcast to the world; and they can be pressured by their parents to be the talent that sustains their family’s financial livelihood.
California has the Coogan Act, which protects the financial interests of entertainers under 18. But this was passed in 1939, long before the rise of social media; until recently, there has been no comparable Coogan Act for the children of family vloggers.
In August 2023, however, Illinois became the first U.S. state to pass a law protecting the financial interests of the children of family vlogging. The bill requires parents to put aside 50% of the earnings for a piece of content featuring their child. The money must go into a trust that the child can access upon turning 18. If there’s no money available for them, they can sue their parents.
Minnesota was the next state to pass this kind of legislation, in May 2024. This one went beyond financial considerations, prohibiting children under 14 from appearing in more than 30% of their parents’ social media content. If children do appear in these videos and the videos are monetized, money must be put into an account, similar to Illinois.
In December 2023, I consulted with legislators on drafts of California’s measure. This bill, which was signed into law in September 2024, is similar to Illinois’ law but has been considered an important step in regulating family vlogging content given the state’s relationship with the entertainment industry.
Work is work
These laws are not geared toward the casual parent who wants to share a picture of their child on Facebook or Instagram. They’re putting guardrails in place for a form of child labor that, until recently, has gone wildly unchecked.
In the spring of 2024, I provided written testimony to the state of Missouri, which was considering its own law. I pointed out that there are more than 500 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute, TikTok boasts more than 150 million active monthly users in the U.S. alone, and Instagram users watch 17.6 million hours of Reels per day. I explained how, over the past decade, I’ve interviewed over 150 content creators and influencers – and I’ll often hear them say they’ve been paid upward of $8,000 per post.
Brand sponsorships remain a gray area in these laws; most of the new legislation encompasses only payments directly from platforms. But I want to emphasize that we’re not talking about a few extra bucks here and there. It can be enough money to raise a family. And it’s work – for everyone involved.
What’s next
Illinois, Minnesota and California may have passed laws, but the issue remains on the table elsewhere.
Washington state has tried to introduce such a bill, and Shari Franke’s testimony came as Utah begins considering its own legislation. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y2xi4-IMnTc?wmode=transparent&start=0 Ruby Franke’s oldest daughter, Shari, testifies before the Utah Legislature in October 2024.
However, I believe that any work on combating the problem of exploiting children for social media demands a holistic approach.
Importantly, children cannot consent to appearing in their parents’ content. While it may seem fun to appear in mom or dad’s video, young children have no concept of the internet’s dangers. They don’t understand that content can move beyond its intended audience. They don’t understand that the internet is forever – that one day, when they’re applying to college or for jobs, Google search results may yield their baby photos.
In 2023, Maryland attempted to introduce legislation that would include Right To Be Forgotten provisions – an addendum allowing children to request social media platforms delete content about them when they turn 18. The measure never gained momentum, and the bill stalled. But states can look to the European Union, which has some of the strongest Right to Be Forgotten legislation in the world, for inspiration.
Social media platforms also have a role to play. If they wanted to, they could regulate or ban monetized content centered on children. That being said, family vlogging content is a moneymaker for platforms: It racks up billions of views, which keeps audiences on the hosting site, such as YouTube or Instagram, for longer. So you might assume that platforms would never intervene on their own if it risked hurting their bottom line.
But one thing I’ve learned from studying social media platform governance is that public opinion matters. And in my ongoing research on family vlogging, I’ve witnessed a massive shift in public opinion over the past two years, as the press pays more attention to the phenomenon, content creators and audiences are more critical of it, and former children of family vloggers, like Shari Franke, tell their stories.
If platforms can quickly churn out their own versions of AI chatbots, they can build teams to figure out how to help regulate and enforce family vlogging legislation in the U.S. – and have the opportunity, in my view, to be on the right side of history.
Jessica Maddox, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Creative Media, University of Alabama
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Diana Gregory Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from AmeriCorps on Behalf of President Biden
Honoring Diana Gregory
In a moment that truly embodies the essence of service and community care, Diana Gregory, the visionary founder of Diana Gregory Outreach Services, has been honored with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award from AmeriCorps. This award, presented on behalf of President Joe Biden, took place during a heartfelt ceremony at the VA Health Care System in Phoenix, Arizona, organized by the dedicated leadership of The Order of St. George.
Diana’s selection for this distinguished accolade highlights her extraordinary commitment to fostering positive change and improving the lives of those in her community. Over the past decade, she has passionately addressed critical issues like food insecurity and health awareness, focusing on supporting seniors and veterans. Through her organization, Diana Gregory Outreach Services, she has distributed fresh, nutritious produce to thousands, ensuring that those in need have access to healthy food options.
But Diana’s contributions extend far beyond food distribution; she has also implemented vital health education programs that empower individuals and families, helping them to embrace wellness and make informed choices about their health. This holistic approach has created a transformative impact on underserved communities, reinforcing the importance of access to both nutrition and education.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is an honorable recognition reserved for individuals who have dedicated over 4,000 hours of volunteer service. This milestone is a testament to Diana’s proactive engagement and relentless advocacy for those she serves. Her award serves not only as recognition of her achievements but also as an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps and contribute to their communities.
The Order of St. George, a respected non-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to refugees, veterans, and the Boy Scouts of America, proudly presented the award. Their involvement signifies the collaborative spirit of various organizations working together to uplift and empower individuals in need, underscoring how interconnected our communities truly are.
As we celebrate Diana Gregory’s well-deserved honor, we recognize the countless lives she has touched and the paths she has paved for a brighter, healthier future. Her remarkable efforts highlight the immense power of community service and the difference every individual can make when they dedicate their time and passion to helping others.
To learn more about Diana Gregory Outreach Services and how you can get involved in her inspiring mission, please visit dianagregory.com. Together, let’s continue the legacy of compassion and service that Diana has so beautifully embodied.
Congratulations, Diana Gregory, on this remarkable achievement! Your dedication is a shining example of what it means to be a true leader and advocate for community well-being. Your work inspires us all to be better, do better, and serve better.
To learn more about Diana Gregory, visit https://dianagregory.com/
Related Link (Origina Press Release):
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/177DijAbdG
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge
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This past weekend, the skies of Oregon became the backdrop for an extraordinary event that has both puzzled and dazzled observers. At least four commercial pilots reported encountering unexplained bright lights displaying incredible speeds and erratic movements, renewing interest and debate about aerial phenomena.
The Encounter Details
The first report came from a pilot operating an air ambulance who described a startling experience. A bright, red light zoomed towards his Life Flight plane, only to reverse direction and head back towards the Pacific Ocean at bewildering speeds. The event left the pilot and his crew astounded by the light’s velocity and abrupt maneuvers.
Meanwhile, the pilot of a United Airlines flight over Eugene also reported seeing multiple mysterious objects. These unidentified lights moved vertically and horizontally in patterns that defied easy explanation, with no evidence of military activity in the area at the time.
Adding to the intrigue, the Life Flight pilot noted that one of the lights engaged in a corkscrew pattern, an observation that was corroborated by the aircraft’s collision avoidance system. Air traffic control, maintaining a cautious approach, authorized the pilot to maneuver as necessary to maintain safety.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYVWd4ew
Visual Evidence and Continued Sightings
Throughout these encounters, several pilots managed to capture brief video clips. These clips, although hard to discern due to the dark conditions, show glimpses of the unusual red, circular lights. Another report from two Horizon Airlines pilots further confirmed that whatever was out there wasn’t isolated to a single incident or observer.
Experts Weigh In: Possible Explanations
In the wake of these mystifying sightings, experts have been quick to offer explanations. Douglas Buettner, a scientist who has researched similar incidents, suggests that these lights could likely be flares from Starlink satellites. Starlink, a constellation designed by SpaceX to provide global broadband coverage, has been known to produce vivid optical flares when its panels reflect sunlight.
Buettner’s research, which includes previous pilot reports and observations, supports the idea that this natural reflection of sunlight could explain the phenomena observed. However, he also admits the current data is insufficient to conclusively rule out other possibilities.
Government and Public Response
Following these reports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the sighting of unidentified lights by a pilot, although they have not commented further. In a recent Senate hearing, the Pentagon’s director overseeing unidentified anomalous phenomena indicated a spike in such reports since the launch of satellite constellations like Starlink, underscoring the growing interest and concern regarding these observations.
The Broader Implications
While the most likely explanation for these mysterious lights points to satellite flares, the repeated occurrences of such phenomena continue to stir the public’s imagination and scientific curiosity. As we advance in our technological capabilities, the skies above us grow increasingly populated with human-made objects that can sometimes return to us as bewildering spectacles.
In either case, these events serve as a reminder of the vast and unexplored frontiers above us and the ever-present human quest for understanding the mysteries of our universe. Whether they turn out to be mundane or truly otherworldly, the skies over Oregon this weekend have given us all something to ponder and marvel at.
Related Link:
https://nbc16.com/news/local/life-flight-pilot-reports-seeing-ufo-near-eugene
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Listening for the right radio signals could be an effective way to track small drones
Unidentified drone sightings near sensitive U.S. locations raise public concern. Challenges exist in tracking these drones, necessitating better detection methods and potential regulatory changes for airspace management.
Iain Boyd, University of Colorado Boulder
The recent spate of unidentified drone sightings in the U.S., including some near sensitive locations such as airports and military installations, has caused significant public concern.
Some of this recent increase in activity may be related to a September 2023 change in U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations that now allow drone operators to fly at night. But most of the sightings are likely airplanes or helicopters rather than drones.
The inability of the U.S. government to definitively identify the aircraft in the recent incidents, however, has some people wondering, why can’t they?
I am an engineer who studies defense systems. I see radio frequency sensors as a promising approach to detecting, tracking and identifying drones, not least because drone detectors based on the technology are already available. But I also see challenges to using the detectors to comprehensively spot drones flying over American communities.
How drones are controlled
Operators communicate with drones from a distance using radio frequency signals. Radio frequency signals are widely used in everyday life such as in garage door openers, car key fobs and, of course, radios. Because the radio spectrum is used for so many different purposes, it is carefully regulated by the Federal Communications Commission.
Drone communications are only allowed in narrow bands around specific frequencies such as at 5 gigahertz. Each make and model of a drone uses unique communication protocols coded within the radio frequency signals to interpret instructions from an operator and to send data back to them. In this way, a drone pilot can instruct the drone to execute a flight maneuver, and the drone can inform the pilot where it is and how fast it is flying.
Identifying drones by radio signals
Radio frequency sensors can listen in to the well-known drone frequencies to detect communication protocols that are specific to each particular drone model. In a sense, these radio frequency signals represent a unique fingerprint of each type of drone.
In the best-case scenario, authorities can use the radio frequency signals to determine the drone’s location, range, speed and flight direction. These radio frequency devices are called passive sensors because they simply listen out for and receive signals without taking any active steps. The typical range limit for detecting signals is about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from the source.
These sensors do not represent advanced technology, and they are readily available. So, why haven’t authorities made wider use of them? https://www.youtube.com/embed/9yFzdpEqQCs?wmode=transparent&start=0 Drones were all the buzz in the Northeast at the end of 2024.
Challenges to using radio frequency sensors
While the monitoring of radio frequency signals is a promising approach to detecting and identifying drones, there are several challenges to doing so.
First, it’s only possible for a sensor to obtain detailed information on drones that the sensor knows the communication protocols for. Getting sensors that can detect a wide range of drones will require coordination between all drone manufacturers and some central registration entity.
In the absence of information that makes it possible to decode the radio frequency signals, all that can be inferred about a drone is a rough idea of its location and direction. This situation can be improved by deploying multiple sensors and coordinating their information.
Second, the detection approach works best in “quiet” radio frequency environments where there are no buildings, machinery or people. It’s not easy to confidently attribute the unique source of a radio frequency signal in urban settings and other cluttered environments. Radio frequency signals bounce off all solid surfaces, making it difficult to be sure where the original signal came from. Again, the use of multiple sensors around a particular location, and careful placement of those sensors, can help to alleviate this issue.
Third, a major part of the concern over the inability to detect and identify drones is that they may be operated by criminals or terrorists. If drone operators with malicious intent know that an area targeted for a drone operation is being monitored by radio frequency sensors, they may develop effective countermeasures. For example, they may use signal frequencies that lie outside the FCC-regulated parameters, and communication protocols that have not been registered. An even more effective countermeasure is to preprogram the flight path of a drone to completely avoid the use of any radio frequency communications between the operator and the drone.
Finally, widespread deployment of radio frequency sensors for tracking drones would be logistically complicated and financially expensive. There are likely thousands of locations in the U.S. alone that might require protection from hostile drone attacks. The cost of deploying a fully effective drone detection system would be significant.
There are other means of detecting drones, including radar systems and networks of acoustic sensors, which listen for the unique sounds drones generate. But radar systems are relatively expensive, and acoustic drone detection is a new technology.
The way forward
It was almost guaranteed that at some point the problem of unidentified drones would arise. People are operating drones more and more in regions of the airspace that have previously been very sparsely populated.
Perhaps the recent concerns over drone sightings are a wake-up call. The airspace is only going to become much more congested in the coming years as more consumers buy drones, drones are used for more commercial purposes, and air-taxis come into use. There’s only so much that drone detection technologies can do, and it might become necessary for the FAA to tighten regulation of the nation’s airspace by, for example, requiring drone operators to submit detailed flight plans.
In the meantime, don’t be too quick to assume those blinking lights you see in the night sky are drones.
Iain Boyd, Director of the Center for National Security Initiatives and Professor of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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