US floats “Bill of Rights” for content creators

Content creators in the US could soon benefit from stronger protections and clearer rules under a bill of rights proposed by Congress, as the growing creator economy draws fresh attention on Capitol Hill.

On January 15, California representative Ro Khanna introduced what he has dubbed the Creator Bill of Rights, a resolution aimed at improving how creators and digital workers are treated by the platforms where many now earn their living.

The proposal comes as the creator economy, already worth around $250 billion globally, continues to scale rapidly, with forecasts suggesting it could almost double by 2027. In the US alone, roughly 12% of adults now earn some income as creators, with more than 10 million relying on it as a full-time job.

Despite that growth, many creators face unstable income, opaque platform rules and sudden changes that can cut earnings overnight. Research shows that these conditions are contributing to rising levels of burnout and anxiety, particularly among full-time creators who have little recourse when accounts are restricted or monetisation is disrupted.

Khanna’s resolution calls for greater transparency from platforms, including clearer revenue-sharing terms so creators better understand how they are paid. It also urges companies to provide timely customer support and fair appeal processes when moderation or enforcement decisions affect accounts, content or income.

Another focus is economic security. The proposal supports access to affordable healthcare options not tied to a single platform, alongside portable benefits such as retirement plans designed for independent workers without traditional employment structures.

Control and independence also feature prominently. The resolution backs measures that would help creators maintain direct relationships with their audiences and move between platforms without losing their followings. It also raises concerns about artificial intelligence and synthetic media, calling for consent and accountability when these tools affect a creator’s identity, likeness or reputation.

Supporters say the resolution reflects the growing gap between the value creators generate and the protections available to them.

“Creators are a growing workforce building the culture and economy we all rely on, yet we’re doing it without basic protections or frameworks of support,” said Shira Lazar, founder and CEO of What’s Trending and Creators 4 Mental Health.

“Having spent two decades in the creator economy, I’ve seen firsthand how this affects livelihoods and well-being,” she added. “This resolution is an important step toward closing that gap and building a safer, more sustainable industry for the next generation.”

Others backing the proposal argue that existing labour frameworks are out of step with how creators work today.

“The economy has changed dramatically, but our labor protections haven’t kept pace,” said Lisandra Vásquez, a creator and digital worker. “Freelance and non-linear careers are now the norm, yet creators are still operating in systems built for W-2 employees.”

The proposal signals that lawmakers are beginning to treat creators as a workforce shaping culture and the digital economy, and one that may soon have a clearer voice in how the system works.

Read the Creator Bill of Rights here.

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