Law adds protections for minors appearing in online media

A new law establishes regulations, compensation requirements, and enforcement provisions related to minor children appearing on internet platforms where the content generates compensation.

Sponsored by Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) and Sen. Erin Maye Quade (DFL-Apple Valley), the law takes effect July 1, 2025.

The law defines “content creator” as a person who creates and posts videos online for compensation, on their own or with a company, but excludes minors creating content. Content creators showing minors appearing incidentally in a video that depicts a public event are not subject to the law.

The law will apply when at least 30% of the content creator’s compensated video content produced within a 30-day period included the likeness, name, or photograph of any minor.

A trust account and payment for the content created using the minor’s likeness will be required and the trust must be maintained until the minor reaches age 18.

Records must be kept on minors who appear in at least 30% of the content creator’s videos, when the content creator’s videos generate income. The records must include the minor’s name, the amount of compensation generated, and how much was paid into the minor’s trust account. Records must be readily accessible to the minor and the minor may request the content with their likeness be deleted any time after they turn 13.

Children under 14 will be prohibited from working in content creation, so they cannot appear in more than 30% of the videos, but, if they do appear, they are entitled to 100% of the profits.

The law specifies that minors aged 14 to 18 can produce their own content and are entitled to the profits.

The minor, or an adult previously depicted as a minor, can sue for damages if the law is violated.

HF3488*/SF3496/CH103

HF3488* / SF3496 / CH103