Despite xAI's objections, judge rules not to block Minnesota "nudification" law

A Minnesota law went into effect Aug. 1 that bans apps that alter photos of people to make them nude. Despite objections from xAI, Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank ruled the law can stay in effect, the Star Tribune reports.

xAI had issued a legal challenge to block the first-of-its kind law from going into effect. The law can fine companies up to $500,000 if users create deepfake nude images and also allows victims to sue the app owners. xAI's attorneys said the law limits free speech and said the company already doesn't allow users to create nude or pornographic images of people without their consent, the Star Tribune reported.

In his opinion, Frank said Minnesota's decision to ban those AI tools is in response to harms caused by the technology, whereas xAI failed to show the decision caused their company irreparable harm.