Salt Lake City, Utah has recently implemented new protections for the children of online content creators, spurred by the child abuse case involving Ruby Franke, a mother of six who gained popularity on YouTube for sharing parenting advice. Governor Spencer Cox signed a bill into law, influenced by Franke’s ex-husband, requiring adults to have the ability to remove digital content from platforms in which they were featured as minors. Additionally, parents are now mandated to allocate funds for children who are showcased in online content.
The enforcement of this new law follows the unraveling of the ‘8 Passengers’ YouTube channel, founded by the Frankes in 2015, highlighting their daily life as a seemingly close-knit Mormon family living in Springville, Utah. The state has become a hub for the profitable family blogging industry, with a substantial presence of large nuclear families and religious lifestyles. This legislation adds to nationwide discussions on regulating the content creation industry and ensuring the financial security of young creators.
The Franke children, who were prominently featured in their mother’s videos garnering millions of views, faced a harrowing ordeal that led to their rescue. After escaping and seeking help from neighbors, it was discovered that they were enduring abuse under the care of Ruby Franke and her associate Jodi Hildebrandt. Both women were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their heinous acts, shedding light on the dark side of family vlogging and online content creation.
In a poignant memoir, Shari Franke, the eldest child, revealed the extent of her mother’s obsession with creating viral content at the expense of her children’s well-being. The detrimental effects of exploitation and abuse within the online content creation realm have prompted Utah’s new legislation, which mandates a financial safety net for child creators earning significant income. The case has sparked public interest, igniting a dialogue on the ethics and regulations surrounding online content featuring minors.
As the state of Utah moves towards safeguarding children in the digital age, advocacy from individuals like Kevin Franke and his daughters underscores the importance of protecting young creators from exploitation. The tragic events involving the Franke family serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the online content creation industry, prompting a call for accountability and safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.