California Ride-Hailing Ruling Could Affect Freelancer Status of Some Sex Workers

California Ride-Hailing Ruling Could Affect Freelancer Status of Some Sex Workers

SAN FRANCISCO — In a case which may have consequences for cam models and sex workers who rely on a single platform for a majority of their income, a judge ordered ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft this afternoon to re-classify their California drivers from independent contractors to employees.

The ruling would make Uber and Lyft employers, and would mandate them to provide the newly classified employees with benefits, in accordance with the AB5 legislation that came into effect on January 1.

San Francisco Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman, who issued the injunction, also paused it for 10 days to allow for an appeal. The ride-hailing companies are expected to appeal the judge’s preliminary injunction in favor of the State of California. If upheld, the ruling could, according to Bloomberg News, “make them halt their services as they figure out how to adjust their business model to comply with it.”

Judge Schulman agreed with California Attorney General Xavier Becerra that Uber and Lyft are violating AB5.

The legislation — currently undergoing a revision process in Sacramento via a follow-up “clean-up” bill outlining exceptions — states that “workers can generally only be considered contractors if they perform duties outside the usual course of a company’s business,” according to Bloomberg.

Today’s ruling may have an impact on California cam models and other sex workers, if the State, or the workers themselves, decide to argue that their performances constitute duties that are essential to “the usual work” of a camming platform, cam studio or premium platform’s business.

The case is California v. Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc., CGC-20-584402, at the California Superior Court (San Francisco).

Related:  

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

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.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More