Judge Denies xAI Request to Block Minnesota Nudification Ban

U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank denied an emergency request from xAI to block the enforcement of HF 1606, a first-of-its-kind law in Minnesota banning AI nudification technology. The law took effect on August 1, 2026, prohibiting websites and apps from allowing users to generate realistic non-consensual nude images. Violators face civil penalties of up to $500,000 per single use, with revenues directed toward survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

xAI filed a federal lawsuit on July 27, arguing the statute is an overbroad, content-based restriction on free speech that violates the First Amendment. The company claimed the law lacks a safe harbor for companies with restrictive policies and could penalize constitutionally protected content, such as satirical images or people in swimwear. xAI also noted that it has implemented technological measures to prevent the editing of real people into revealing attire.

Judge Frank rejected the company's motion for a temporary restraining order, ruling that xAI's delay in filing—occurring nearly three months after the law was signed and only three days before its effective date—suggested the harm was not immediate. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Governor Tim Walz defended the legislation as a necessary tool to protect human dignity and prevent the creation of child sexual abuse material. Governor Walz responded to the legal challenge on social media by stating, "See you in court, creep."

A hearing for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for August 19.