FSC Releases AB5 Guide, Independent Contractor Tests

FSC Releases AB5 Guide, Independent Contractor Tests

LOS ANGELES — The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released two instructional guides to helping adult performers navigate the new AB5 law.

The first is a basic guide to AB5. It explains how the law will require many workers currently classified as independent contractors to be reclassified as employees, and how that may affect adult performers and other industry workers.

"While AB5 could affect any California-based adult worker who is currently an independent contractor, the largest potential effect would be on performers and cam models," the FSC Guide To AB5 states. "Other regularly hired staff, such as members of a production crew, might also need to be reclassified if they currently are paid as independent contractors."

The second guide, the AB5 Independent Contractor Tests, are two brief tests one can take to help determine what their status is under AB5. They include the ABC (California Dynamex) Tests for determining basic labor status and the Borello Test for more specialized professions.

"Because this is a new law, it is so far unclear if or how it will be applied to the adult industry, or to any other industry that uses independent contractors," states the FSC. "It is also unclear how the law will be enforced. In the coming year, it will play out in the courts as lawsuits are filed, and in the legislature. Some industries apply to be exempted under the law, and others may seek to overturn or modify the law."

Visit the FSC on Twitter for the latest updates.

Copyright © 2026 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

WOW Tech, XR Brands Reach Settlement in Patent Infringement Dispute

XR Brands and Lovehoney Group subsidiary WOW Tech Group have settled a patent dispute over WOW's Pleasure Air Technology.

Polish Government Proposes AV Mandate for Adult Sites

Poland’s Council of Ministers on Tuesday endorsed a proposed national law that would require sites and platforms to age-verify users to prevent minors from accessing adult content online.

Brazil Launches Complaints Page for AV Violations, Other Issues

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on Monday debuted a portal where citizens can report possible violations of the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

FSC Launches 'Speak Out' Media Campaign for Creators

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced the launch of FSC Speak Out, a media campaign for content creators to tell their stories.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host LGBTQ Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group for LGBTQ+ individuals within the adult industry, titled "LGBTQ and Proud."

Pornhub Awards Fiesta: A Night of Music, Dancing and Camaraderie

The eighth annual Pornhub Awards transformed Los Candiles Night Club in Glassell Park into a celebration of glamour, glitter, fashion and fame Wednesday night, as performers, creators and industry insiders toasted the year’s winners and danced late into the night while Diplo and Midnight Mary kept the party pulsing from behind the decks.

Ukrainian Parliament Rejects Porn Decriminalization Bill

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, on Thursday voted against passage of a bill that would have decriminalized the creation and distribution of pornography in that country — an activity that currently carries a prison sentence of three to five years.

FSC Launches Pride Fundraising Drive

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has launched its Pride Fundraising Drive to support its efforts on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.

Cultpix Debuts AI-Generated Vintage Adult Films at Cannes

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, B-movie streaming service Cultpix debuted a collection of AI-generated short films drawn from erotic magazine photo spreads published 50 years ago.

Ofcom Fines Youngtek Solutions $800K for AV Noncompliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Wednesday imposed fines totaling 600,000 pounds (more than $800,000) against adult site operator Youngtek Solutions for failing to implement age checks and respond to information requests as required for compliance with the Online Safety Act.

Show More