A federal judge has denied xAI’s request to block Minnesota’s ban on nudify apps, allowing the state measure to take effect. The ruling means Minnesota can move forward with what has been described as the first US law aimed specifically at these so-called nudification tools.
The dispute centers on apps that use artificial intelligence or image-editing systems to make it appear as though a person is unclothed. By rejecting xAI’s bid for an injunction, the court cleared the way for Minnesota’s restrictions to remain in force while the broader legal fight continues.
The decision is notable because it keeps a first-in-the-nation state law in place at a time when governments are facing growing pressure to address harmful uses of generative AI. Minnesota’s approach could now draw attention from other states weighing how to regulate similar technology.
While the judge’s order does not end the case, it is an early setback for xAI’s attempt to stop the ban before it was enforced. For now, Minnesota’s nudify app law stands, marking an important moment in the wider debate over AI safety, digital abuse, and tech regulation.
