The U.S. Department of Justice is backing Elon Musk’s xAI in its court challenge to a Minnesota law that prohibits “nudification” tools—AI systems that generate or alter images to depict intimate parts not present in the original, including when the result is realistic enough to suggest the intimate part belongs to an identifiable person.
The DOJ says Minnesota’s law is broader than federal rules and, as written and likely enforced, could sweep in “constitutional and productive conduct” that federal law does not prohibit. Minnesota argues the issue is different in practice, saying companies can limit misuse through terms of service and moderation, and pointing to reported volumes of user-created nudification despite such policies.
Outlets report that xAI sued after a request for a temporary restraining order was denied. xAI argues the state law would unfairly impose liability on the company for actions by users and claims it uses moderation measures to prevent nudification from occurring. A federal judge heard arguments and is expected to rule soon.
