Flemish Youth minister: "Influencers should not have to share home address on social media"
8 August 2022
Flemish minister of Youth Benjamin Dalle argues that influencers should not have to share their home address on social media. He wrote a letter about this to federal state secretary for Consumer Protection Eva De Bleeker, the minister announced on Monday.
Several influencers recently received a warning from the Federal Public Service (FPS) for Economy. The Belgian government agency pointed out that according to new regulations, they have to mention their "company address" and company number on their social media profiles. This has been compulsory for everyone who advertises online, and is paid to do so, for a number of months. Those who do not comply, risk a fine of up to 80.000 euros. The new regulations are the result of a European directive. Several influencers, such as well-known Flemish YouTuber Acid, sounded the alarm this weekend.
Dalle pointed out that several influencers are celebrities with many followers and fans, "some of whom would like to pay an unsolicited visit to the home town of their idol".
Minister Dalle stressed in his letter to state secretary De Bleeker that forcing influencers to mention their "company address" on all their channels "seems to be at odds with the respect for their private lives", since influencers normally work from home and would hence be forced to publish their own address.
Furthermore, Dalle pointed out that several influencers are celebrities with many followers and fans, "some of whom would like to pay an unsolicited visit to the home town of their idol. This also gives people with bad intentions easy access to the home address of the famous person they follow on social media."
The minister therefore asks De Bleeker to revise the rule "in a way that takes due account of respect for the private lives of influencers and content creators. In particular, I would ask not to require physical addresses to be shared on their social media channels."
(BRV)
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Minister Benjamin Dalle pointed out that several influencers are celebrities with many followers and fans, "some of whom would like to pay an unsolicited visit to the home town of their idol". © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK