Australia and Global Moves Towards Similar Laws
In April, Tennessee enacted Senate Bill 1469. The bill prohibits children under 14 from appearing in monetised online videos and mandates that earnings from content featuring older minors be secured in trust until they turn 18. By doing so, Tennessee addresses the participation of children in the digital economy, recognising their significant contribution to family content and financial wellbeing.
Existing frameworks struggle to address the new forms of participation created by the digital economy. A child appearing in a third of a family’s sponsored content over a month is significantly contributing to that family’s livelihood. Tennessee has directly acknowledged this issue.
Australia has already introduced legislation requiring major platforms to restrict access for users under 16, effective from December 2025. Meanwhile, France, Denmark, Malaysia, Norway, and Spain are also exploring similar measures. This trend reflects a global shift towards enhancing protection for children in digital spaces.
Global Concerns Over Digital Exposure
Ungoverned digital exposure poses well-known dangers to children. Despite this, action has been limited. Companies like Tinybeans argue that children’s early experiences should remain within family circles, not for public consumption. This conversation is crucial as digital exposure can have lasting impacts on children’s privacy and security.
According to Tracy Cho, Interim CEO of Tinybeans, “Children deserve more than terms of service and algorithmic guardrails. They deserve products built with their protection as the starting point, not an afterthought.” Tinybeans was founded on the belief that a child’s earliest moments belong to their family, not to an algorithm, advertiser, or public feed. This belief shapes every product decision the company makes.
As Tennessee draws a clear line, other jurisdictions are expected to follow suit, reinforcing the need for companies to proactively lead in safeguarding children’s online presence. Legislation serves as a base level, but companies have a responsibility to innovate and prioritise children’s safety in digital environments.
Last updated: 19 May 2026, 7:06 pm
