minnesota law Ban artificial intelligence “nude” images The plan has been put on hold after a federal appeals court sided with Musk’s artificial intelligence company.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit on Friday granted the injunction sought by xAI, halting enforcement of the law while the company’s appeal continues. The court issued a brief order but did not explain its reasons.
The attorney’s office released a statement to WCCO on Sunday.
“We are disappointed with the Eighth Circuit’s decision and respect but strongly disagree with it,” a spokesperson for the office said. “Minnesota’s nudity ban prohibits artificial intelligence technology products from generating sexual images that harm and harass people in the most egregious ways. We will continue to vigorously defend the law as the appeal proceeds, and we are proud of it.”
In early September, a lower court ruled that the law could Continue execution during the conclusion of proceedingsbut the Court of Appeal overturned the decision.
The law, the first of its kind, bans taking a real photo of someone and using artificial intelligence to turn it into pornographic or sexual images.
The bill passed the state Senate unanimously earlier this year and has the support of all but one member of the House. Gov. Tim Walz signed it into law in May.
Under the law, companies that use artificial intelligence to create non-consensual pornographic images and videos could face civil penalties of up to $500,000, and victims could seek damages.
Musk’s company xAI, The lawsuit was filed three days before the law takes effect on August 1claiming it violated the First Amendment. The regulation “imposes overly broad, content-based bans on free speech and tools of visual expression,” the statement said. xAI requested a preliminary injunction to prevent the law from taking effect while the lawsuit is pending.
After the September ruling, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said he was “extremely proud to defend this law.”
WCCO has reached out to the Attorney General’s Office for comment.