Safety is a top concern for Creators. With cases of violence and malicious behavior on the rise, such as during the most recent TwitchCon in San Diego where popular creator Emiru was assaulted by an individual at her Meet and Greet event, stalking, swatting, and doxxing cases are becoming an unfortunate reality for many Creators. While legal actions and agreements should never be the first or only protection for Creators, taking certain legal precautions can help prevent the worst.

Event Appearance Agreements

While event organizers should be primarily responsible for the safety of Creators and attendees, Creators can reduce risk by ensuring that their agreements with the events provide for proper safety protocols.

Creators should ask for clear and defined terms in an appearance or event agreement ensuring proper security for the Creator. For example, a creator should include provisions requiring a specific number of security and staff at a Creator’s appearance, having the event provide a dedicated event staff to accompany the Creator while the Creator is at the event, and requiring the event to create controlled access entrances, exits, and lanes for the Creator’s appearance.

Other provisions that a Creator should consider including in their agreement with the event include representations and warranties from the event regarding both the presence and number of security personnel, as well as their training and competency and a termination clause that allows the Creator to cancel their appearance if they do not think security is adequate.

While Creators can bring a case against event organizers and event venues for negligent security, having clear terms on security in an agreement with the venue can make it easier for the Creator to both enforce those terms and bring legal action against the event organizer if the event organizer fails to uphold those terms.

Avoiding Unintentional Doxxing

Outside of events, Creators should take steps to avoid unintentionally doxxing themselves. This can happen when a Creator forms a limited liability company, files government documents, registers for trademarks and copyrights, and more.

For example, when creating an entity such as a limited liability company or corporation, using a registered agent and virtual business address can help Creators avoid using their personal address. You can learn more by reading our blog post, “How people accidentally doxx themselves by setting up a business. Avoid these mistakes.”

Taking Down Unauthorized Personal Information

Once personal information about a Creator is leaked, it can be extremely difficult to remove such information from the internet. However, digital security experts and lawyers can help take down information from public platforms.

Many jurisdictions have laws punishing harassment, defamation, and even doxxing. For example, California Penal Code 653.2, anyone intentionally using an electronic communication device to cause another person to fear for their safety or that of their immediate family can be charged with a misdemeanor.

A legal team can help identify the relevant statutes regarding protection of a Creator’s identity and personal information and send takedown requests and demand letters to social media platforms, forums, and chatrooms to takedown leaked content.

Violent or malicious acts towards Creators can be deeply frightening, invasive, and disturbing. While legal precautions and actions may not be able to prevent such acts on their own, working with a legal team can be one part of an integrated strategy to protect a Creator.