Ruby Franke child abuse case sparks protections for children of content creators in Utah
Utah has implemented new protections for children of online content creators following the child abuse conviction of Ruby Franke, a former YouTube star known for sharing parenting advice. The law, signed by Gov. Spencer Cox, empowers minors to remove digital content featuring them from various platforms and requires parents to allocate a portion of their earnings for their children’s future. This legislative change was particularly influenced by Franke’s ex-husband, Kevin Franke, who expressed regret over allowing the exploitation of their children for profit.
The Franke family gained notoriety through their YouTube channel "8 Passengers," which showcased their daily lives as a devout Mormon family. However, the family’s public life took a dark turn, culminating in Ruby and her associate Jodi Hildebrandt facing severe child abuse charges. Their arrest followed the harrowing escape of Ruby’s 12-year-old son, who appeared emaciated and bore visible signs of abuse, prompting immediate police intervention and revealing deeper issues within the household.
Ruby Franke’s behavior was characterized by a disturbing fixation on content creation, treating her children more as assets than as family. Her eldest child, Shari, wrote in her memoir about the pervasive surveillance and discipline tactics employed by her mother, which she described as akin to a Hollywood production. The revelations about their home life shed light on the darker side of family vlogging, with Shari identifying herself and her siblings as victims of this trend.
The newfound Utah law aims to mitigate the risks associated with child exploitation in the content creation realm. Creators who earn more than $150,000 from content involving children are mandated to set aside 15% of their earnings into a trust for the minors, ensuring they are compensated for their participation once they reach adulthood. This move is part of a broader trend, with several states enacting similar protections to safeguard minors in the expanding digital landscape.
As public awareness of the issue grows, particularly with the release of a documentary on Ruby Franke's downfall, the Franke children have voiced their desire for change. In statements to lawmakers, the youngest daughter, Eve, emphasized the need to protect children from being exploited in the spotlight, asserting that while platforms like YouTube can foster community, children must be treated with love and respect rather than as mere content tools.