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

Paysite Confidential: Inside the Creator Economy's Shift Toward Ownership

For years, the adult industry’s creator economy has been defined by platforms — powerful engines of discovery, monetization and scale that reshaped how performers connect with their audiences.

Senator Urges DOJ to Crack Down on 'Obscenity,' Attacks OnlyFans

U.S. Senator Jim Banks of Indiana this week urged Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to reestablish the Department of Justice’s defunct Obscenity Prosecution Task Force in a letter that targets OnlyFans while repeatedly conflating “obscenity” with legal adult content.

UN Experts Urge US, Canada to Prosecute Aylo, Others for 'Exploitation'

GENEVA – The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has issued a press release in which two U.N. special rapporteurs, cited as experts, accuse Aylo and other companies of complicity in sexual exploitation.

Tennessee Governor Signs Bill Requiring Warnings on Adult Stores

Governor Bill Lee on Tuesday signed into law a bill requiring adult stores, theaters and other establishments in Tennessee to post warning signs cautioning patrons that they “may be contributing” to sexual assault and human trafficking.

Kickstarter Revokes New Rules Banning Fundraising for Adult Content, Products

Crowdfunding platform Kickstarter announced Tuesday that it has reversed its recent decision to impose new “Mature Content” rules banning projects that involve adult content and sextech.

Report: Irish Justice Minister Seeks UK-Style Ban on 'Extreme' Content

Ireland’s justice minister plans to introduce legislation criminalizing possession and distribution of “extreme” pornography, according to a report by the Irish Independent.

New Kickstarter Rules Ban Fundraising for Adult Content, Products

Crowdfunding platform Kickstarter has posted new “Mature Content” rules banning projects that involve adult content and sextech.

WebGroup Czech Republic Settles Florida AV Suit, Will Pay $1.2 Million

WebGroup Czech Republic (WGCZ), the parent company of XVideos, XNXX, BangBros and GirlsGoneWild, has settled a lawsuit filed by the state of Florida over those sites’ alleged failure to age-verify Florida users before allowing access to adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for March, April

AEBN has published the top search terms for March and April from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Ofcom Investigates Two Sites Over Possible AV Violations

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Wednesday launched investigations into two adult sites as part of its age assurance enforcement program under the Online Safety Act (OSA).

Show More