California Governor Signed New Adult Content Law
The legislation introduces strict consent and recordkeeping requirements for online adult platforms in the state.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1705, which mandates that online adult platforms verify user email addresses and obtain certification statements for all uploads. The law aims to regulate content consent and recordkeeping for platforms accessible within California.
Why it matters
This law establishes a new regulatory framework to ensure accountability for user-generated content on adult websites. By requiring verified records, it seeks to protect individuals by holding platforms and users liable for non-consensual material.
Operators must retain user records for at least seven years, while individuals may sue for up to $75,000 per violation. Prosecutors are authorized to seek penalties of $25,000 per violation.
The players
Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom is the Governor of California who signed the legislation into law.
The details
The law requires operators to verify user email addresses and obtain certification statements regarding consent and age under penalty of perjury. It applies to all user-generated content uploaded to adult platforms that are accessible to users in California.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1705 into law.
January 1, 2027: The new legislation officially enters into force.
Legal Context
Assembly Bill 1705 represents a departure from federal platform immunity standards by mandating strict recordkeeping in California. This action follows a pattern of state-level efforts to increase digital platform accountability regarding user safety and consent.
Residents may see significant changes in how adult platforms operate and verify accounts when accessing these sites from within the state. Public prosecutors will also have new legal authority to pursue platforms that fail to maintain required user records.
The takeaway
The law shifts the burden of verifying content consent onto the platforms themselves under penalty of perjury for users. This change will likely force a significant overhaul of upload protocols for any adult content site operating in California.
Further reading
For more information on current regulations, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AVN.
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