I recently had the opportunity to attend the first-ever White House Creator Economy Conference. Held in the historic Indian Treaty Room of the Old Executive Office Building, the conference brought together a small and diverse group of content creators, industry leaders, policy makers and even President Joe Biden for a day of discussions on issues impacting the creator community.
You can see more in my latest video!
This was not a campaign event but rather a policy discussion. I paid for my own travel expenses and even my dry cleaning!
The day began with a discussion on mental health, focusing on how algorithms on social media platforms can drive negative content toward creators, significantly impacting their well-being. This session set the tone for the day, as many of the discussions that followed returned to the theme of algorithms and their influence on what content is seen and how it is consumed.
A particularly interesting panel explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and copyright law. The conversation delved into the complexities of AI-generated content and the challenges artists face when their work is used without compensation.
But one question raised by Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, was what exactly are these AI models being trained on? The actual work or just patterns? It was clear that this is an area where the law has not yet caught up with technology, leaving many creators vulnerable – and few can actually afford lawyers to fight it out in court.
Another notable moment came when President Biden made a surprise appearance. His remarks touched on the shifting landscape of media consumption, with his grandchildren relying on independent creators for information, a stark contrast to how previous generations, including his own, consumed news. He also addressed the dangers of people seeking out information that reinforces their existing beliefs, a problem exacerbated by the very algorithms that were a recurring theme throughout the day. He also spoke to the responsibility creators with large audiences have to present their views accurately and honestly.
Following his address, the President took a few questions, offering insight into his perspectives on social media and its influence. His responses reflected a deep interest in how younger generations are engaging with content, although it was clearn to me that he doesn’t spend much time on social media himself.
The breakout sessions that followed allowed smaller groups of attendees to discuss specific issues in more detail. These sessions were a highlight for me, as they provided a chance to engage directly with other creators and White House staff on topics that are often overlooked. However, one significant absence from the conference was representatives of the platforms themselves. Their presence could have added a valuable perspective, especially in discussions about algorithmic transparency and fair pay for creators.
As the day wound down, the conversation shifted to the future of platforms like TikTok, especially in light of recent legislation requiring the company to divest from its Chinese ownership or leave the U.S. market. The potential implications for creators who rely on these platforms for their livelihood were a major concern. Another topic of interest was the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines on disclosing brand deals, with some creators expressing frustration over having to make disclosures. But from that discussion it was clear that some standardization about how disclosures are made could help both viewers and creators.
The conference was a rare opportunity for creators like myself to engage directly with policymakers. It was evident that this White House was interested in understanding the challenges faced by smaller creators and was open to hearing our concerns. The event was well-organized and left me feeling optimistic about the future of the creator economy.
Sadly the comment section in the video reflects a lot of the division currently in society. I respect the office of the President of the United States no matter who occupies it. When you’re asked to represent your industry at an important policy event at the White House you go.