South Africa’s tax authority, SARS, is now using smart technology like artificial intelligence to track the money social media influencers earn from cash payments to freebies like sponsored trips or products. Influencers must report all their income or face fines, as digital work is no longer invisible to tax laws. This big change pushes many creators, who often start as hobbyists, to learn how to manage their new business and taxes. It shows that online fame comes with real responsibilities, blending fun creativity with the rules everyone must follow.
