Safety & Privacy Checklist for New Creators

Starting as a creator is exciting, but it also brings new risks: doxxing, financial exposure, copyright disputes, and platform account actions. This checklist is a practical, prioritized set of actions you can take in your first 30 days to significantly reduce risk and protect your business.

1. Separate personal and business identities

Create separate email accounts, phone numbers, and social profiles for your creator persona. Use a business email for all platform and payment-related communications. Consider a secondary phone number via a verified VoIP provider for two-factor authentication (2FA) that doesn’t reveal your primary number.

2. Use secure passwords and 2FA

Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords. Enable 2FA with an authenticator app rather than SMS where possible. For platforms that support hardware security keys, consider them for additional protection.

3. Watermark and backup originals

Keep original, high-resolution files in an encrypted cloud or local drive. Add subtle watermarks to preview images while keeping originals unmarked for proofs and legal action. Backups protect against accidental deletion and make DMCA or takedown enforcement easier.

4. Metadata hygiene

Strip metadata from images and videos you publish publicly. Location tags, device information, and camera data can reveal more than intended. Many editing tools include metadata removal options.

5. Formalize payment and tax details

Use a business account or an entity where appropriate. Keep records of earnings, invoices, and contracts. Consult a tax advisor to optimize withholding and understand self-employment taxes in your jurisdiction.

6. Contracts for custom work

For commissions and custom content, use simple contracts that specify deliverables, usage rights, timelines, and payment terms. A clear agreement reduces disputes and helps enforce expectations.

7. Plan for chargebacks and disputes

Chargebacks can be costly. Keep records of customer agreements, timestamps, and proof of delivery. If you accept high-value custom commissions, consider requiring partial upfront payments.

8. Set communication boundaries

Define when and how you engage with fans. Use message templates for common requests and avoid sharing personal contact details. Clear boundaries help manage expectations and reduce emotional labor.

9. Monitor your digital footprint

Use alerts for your name and brand keywords. Regularly audit search results and socials for impersonation or leaked content. Prompt takedown requests and DMCA filings help limit spread.

10. Legal preparedness

Know the basics: model releases if you work with others, simple licensing terms for content sales, and where to file if your content is stolen. Keep a legal contact or service you can consult quickly in case of escalation.

“Good security practices are also good business practices.”

Bonus: mental health and community safety

Boundaries protect both privacy and mental health. Schedule offline hours, delegate message triage, and have trusted people who can assist in moderation and crisis response. If you face harassment, document everything and make use of platform reporting tools.

Action Plan for the first 30 days

1. Create a business email and VoIP number.
2. Enable 2FA and update passwords in a password manager.
3. Set up encrypted backups for original files.
4. Draft a simple contract template for commissions.
5. Set up an accounting folder and consult a tax pro for next steps.

Safety and privacy are ongoing processes. Start with the basics, iterate, and invest in tools and advice as your audience grows. Protecting your brand and wellbeing early makes it easier to scale sustainably.