Utah adds protections for child influencers following YouTuber Ruby Franke's child abuse conviction

SALT LAKE CITY -- Governor Spencer Cox of Utah has signed a new law aimed at protecting children featured in online content, a move spurred by the recent child abuse conviction of Ruby Franke, a former YouTube parenting influencer. Franke's ex-husband, Kevin Franke, advocated for these measures in the wake of his former wife's actions, stating that children cannot provide informed consent to be filmed and expressing regret over allowing their lives to be put online for profit.

The Franke family gained notoriety through their YouTube channel "8 Passengers," which documented their daily lives as a Mormon family. The scandal surrounding their personal life has not only drawn attention to the family but has also highlighted the largely unregulated nature of the content-creation industry. In response, several states have begun implementing protective laws for minors featured in online content, with Utah's law ensuring children’s earnings are secured in trust funds.

Ruby Franke's legal troubles escalated when her 12-year-old son, Russell, escaped from their home and revealed horrific abuse, prompting an investigation. The police discovered significant neglect and abuse, resulting in both Ruby and her associate, Jodi Hildebrandt, being sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. The case has opened discussions about the responsibilities of parents who use their children for online content.

Shari Franke, Ruby's eldest child, detailed in her memoir the damaging environment created by her mother's obsession with gaining views and content. She emphasized how this led to her mother treating her children as marketing tools rather than nurturing them. Under the new Utah law, creators earning over a specified amount from content featuring minors are required to allocate a portion of their earnings to a trust for those children.

As the law takes effect, it seeks to protect children from being exploited in future content creation while reinforcing the idea that they deserve love and care, not exploitation. Amid the legislative discussions, Kevin Franke has voiced the importance of safeguarding children from similar abuses, backed by statements from his daughters, who stress the need for respect and protection for young individuals in the rapidly evolving world of online media.