💨 Abstract

Virginia's new law, SB 998, requires content creators to compensate and keep records for children under 16 featured in 30% of their videos. This law aims to protect children from exploitation but has unintended consequences, such as burdening journalists and independent creators with documentation and potential civil litigation. Experts argue that the law may infringe on free speech and that better privacy laws should be considered instead. The legislation is part of a national trend towards regulating online speech.

Courtesy: Grace Newton