Lucy Guo’s creator platform, Passes, is at the center of a firestorm after a lawsuit accused it of hosting illegal content involving minors. The controversy highlights the risks of mixing underage users with adult-oriented platforms, even with parental consent. Critics argue this case exposes a disturbing trend in tech where profit is prioritized over protecting children.
Guo, a self-made millionaire known for cofounding Scale AI, launched Passes to help creators monetize their fans. Unlike rivals like Patreon, Passes allowed teens as young as 15 to join if parents approved. The platform attracted big names like Shaquille O’Neal and college athletes, but trouble began when a Florida teen sued, claiming explicit images of her were shared on Passes before she turned 18.
The lawsuit claims Passes ignored safeguards, letting underage users skip parental consent checks. It also alleges staff removed blocks that prevented adults from messaging minors. A talent agent linked to Guo reportedly pressured the teen to post nude content. Lawyers for the victim called Passes a hub for “child pornography,” while Guo dismissed the suit as a money grab.
Guo’s defenders say Passes had strict policies, but the lawsuit suggests those rules were easily bypassed. The platform’s promise of “safety” now looks hollow. Allowing teens to profit from revealing content—even with parental oversight—created a dangerous loophole. Parents might not fully grasp the risks of their kids sharing content online, especially when money is involved.
Passes isn’t the first platform to face this issue. TikTok and Instagram also struggle with minors attracting inappropriate attention from adults. But Passes doubled down by actively recruiting underage creators, marketing itself as a “safe” space. Critics say this blurred the line between empowering teens and exploiting them.
Conservatives argue this case shows why tech companies need stronger age restrictions. Parental consent isn’t enough when predators lurk online. Letting teens post adult content, even with permission, puts them at risk and normalizes harmful behavior. Platforms shouldn’t profit from minors in spaces designed for adults.
Guo’s response—calling the lawsuit “evil” and false—raises questions about accountability. While Passes claims it bans illegal content, the damage is done. Trust in the platform is shattered. This scandal serves as a warning: mixing kids and monetization invites disaster.
The fallout from Passes reveals a broader cultural problem. Tech leaders often push boundaries without considering moral consequences. Protecting children should come before profits. Until companies take this seriously, lawsuits like this will keep exposing the dark side of the creator economy.
