Calif. Senate Greenlights Anti-Piracy Bill

SACRAMENTO – The California Senate unanimously approved a bill this week that could put a damper on businesses and individuals that distribute copyrighted material for profit.

Scribed by Sen. Kevin Murray, D-Culver City, SB1506 would require that file-sharers reveal their email addresses when distributing a commercial film or digital recording over the Internet.

The bill is designed to specifically distinguish between "legitimate" digital works distributed over the Internet and pirated content. It would not apply to users who send a commercial or self-made recording or film to a member of his or her immediate family or household.

According to the terms of the bill, failure to comply with the proposed legislation would be considered a misdemeanor and punishable by up to a year in jail. There could also be a $2,500 fine to the infraction. Juveniles would be fined $250 for first offenses, however that fine would shoot up to $1,000 for three or more times that the juvenile is caught file-sharing copyrighted media content.

The bill is currently on its way for a policy committee review before it hits the Senate floor for another round of votes. If it survives, it will end up in the governor's office for a signature.

According to a spokesperson for Sen. Murray's office, the bill is a state-mandated program that would require funding and enforcement by the state of California.

Through its various incarnations, the bill has been heavily backed by the Motion Picture Association of America and many other members of the film industry.

A spokesperson for Murray's office told XBiz that as one of the bill's main sponsors, the MPAA has been very involved in the process of making the bill.

However, bill has persistently criticized by free speech advocates like the American Civil Liberties Union for its potential to impede constitutional rights.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Show More