Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1705 into law, enacting stricter compliance standards for user-generated content (UGC) on adult websites accessible in California. The new legislation, which takes effect on January 1, imposes significant new obligations on adult sites that allow users or creators to upload content.

New Compliance Requirements for Adult Sites

The newly enacted AB 1705, also known as the RECLAIM Act (Removing Exploitative Content Through Legal Accountability for Image Misuse), establishes several new requirements for websites that permit users to upload sexually explicit content. Site operators will now be mandated to require users to submit an email address. Alongside this, users must provide a statement certifying, under penalty of perjury, that each individual depicted in the content was not a minor at the time the content was created, consented to being depicted in the content, and consented to the content being uploaded to the website.

Furthermore, site operators must verify each user’s email address before allowing content to be uploaded. The law also stipulates that site operators must retain the statement and associated information for a minimum of seven years. These new obligations go beyond federal 2257 regulations, as noted by industry attorney Corey Silverstein in a statement to XBIZ, who clarified that AB 1705 is not merely a "California version" of 2257 regulations.

Civil Liability and Penalties

The new law introduces substantial civil liabilities for non-compliance. Sites and uploaders will be subject to civil actions brought by depicted individuals. Damages can reach up to $75,000 per violation, in addition to punitive damages and legal fees. Public prosecutors are also empowered to bring civil actions, seeking penalties of $25,000 per violation, along with other relief and fees.

A critical aspect of the new legislation is that each day adult content not conforming to the new regulations is displayed will constitute a separate violation of the law. This provision could lead to escalating penalties for sites that fail to promptly address non-compliant content.

Legislative Journey and Effective Date

Authored by Democratic Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and Republican Assemblymember Diane Dixon, AB 1705 cleared both chambers of the California state legislature without a recorded opposing vote in its final passage. The Senate approved the measure 39-0 on August 20, followed by a 78-0 Assembly concurrence vote on August 24. The enrolled legislation was presented to Governor Newsom on August 28. Governor Newsom signed the bill into law on October 5, 2026. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1.

California legislative analysis describes AB 1705 as establishing an enforceable duty of care intended to prevent nonconsensual material. The bill's passage and signing mark a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for adult websites operating within California, particularly those that rely on user-generated content.

Key Facts

  • Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1705 into law on October 5, 2026.
  • The law imposes stricter compliance standards for user-generated content on adult websites accessible in California.
  • Site operators must require users to submit an email address and a statement certifying consent and age of depicted individuals, under penalty of perjury.
  • Email addresses must be verified, and statements/information retained for at least seven years.
  • Civil actions by depicted individuals can seek up to $75,000 per violation, plus punitive damages and legal fees.
  • Public prosecutors can seek penalties of $25,000 per violation.
  • Each day non-conforming content is displayed constitutes a separate violation.
  • The law takes effect on January 1.