Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, x.AI, has filed a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota over a first-of-its-kind law that bans technology enabling users to create fake nude images without consent. The law, HF 1606, signed by Governor Tim Walz and set to take effect on Saturday, prohibits 'nudification'—the use of AI to digitally alter or generate images to make real people appear naked or engaged in sexual acts without their permission.
The legislation allows victims to bring civil lawsuits and seek damages, with companies facing penalties of up to $500,000 per unlawful use. Musk's company, which developed the Grok chatbot, argues in its complaint filed in the US District Court in Minnesota that the law is overly broad and infringes on free speech rights protected by the First Amendment.
While x.AI says it already prohibits users from creating nude deepfakes without consent and has taken legal action against those evading its safeguards, it contends that the new law would stifle legitimate uses of its technology. The company warns that it may restrict services for Minnesota users if the law takes effect, affecting satirical images, restored family photographs, and creative projects that are currently permitted under its policies.
The lawsuit also challenges the law's definition of 'intimate part,' claiming it is too broad and could ban depictions of men without shirts or people in swimsuits—images 'routinely displayed in public.' Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has vowed to defend the law, stating on X that 'using AI to generate nude images of people against their will is appalling' and that he will see the company in court. Governor Walz added, 'See you in court, creep.'
Musk's company seeks a court declaration that the law is unconstitutional and an order preventing its enforcement. The case highlights ongoing tensions between state-level AI regulations and federal efforts, with the Trump administration previously indicating it would block states from creating their own AI rules and pushing for a national legislative framework.
