xAI Sues Minnesota to Block AI Nudification Ban

The artificial intelligence company xAI filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Minnesota to block the enforcement of HF 1606. The first-of-its-kind law prohibits the use of AI to generate non-consensual sexualized imagery, known as nudification, and allows victims to seek damages while imposing penalties of up to $500,000 per violation on companies.

xAI argues the statute is an unconstitutionally broad, content-based restriction on free speech. The company claims the law could penalize legitimate content, such as satirical images, depictions of people in swimwear, or animated family photographs, regardless of artistic value. xAI stated it already prohibits non-consensual deepfakes but may limit Grok services within the state if the law takes effect.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison defended the legislation as a necessary measure to protect human dignity and prevent sexual exploitation, including the creation of child sexual abuse material. The legal challenge follows a broader effort by the Trump administration to oppose state-level AI regulations in favor of a single national framework. The law is scheduled to take effect in early August 2026 unless a judge halts enforcement.