---
title: "Judge Denies xAI's Request to Block Minnesota Ban on 'Nudify' Apps"
source: "TechCrunch：AI（RSS）"
source_tier: "t2"
url: "https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/01/judge-denies-xais-request-to-block-minnesota-ban-on-nudify-apps/"
permalink: "https://feed.astralor.com/items/itm_9bb4cc8e0aeca105067988aa"
published: "2026-08-01T20:26:04.000Z"
score: 69
channel: "ai"
tags: ["AI Regulation","xAI","Minnesota","Deepfake"]
---

# Judge Denies xAI's Request to Block Minnesota Ban on 'Nudify' Apps

## AI commentary

> In my view, this news deserves attention because it pulls AI companies from technical competition into the legal battlefield. xAI's challenge to a state law shows deepfake issues have moved from ethical debate to practical legal compliance. For AI product teams, it's a reminder that local legal risks can be harder to navigate than the technology itself when deploying generative AI across different regions.

## At a glance

A Minnesota law banning 'nudify' apps, which use AI to convert regular photos into nude images, can proceed after a federal judge denied xAI's request to temporarily block it. xAI had sued the state, arguing the ban overreaches and restricts free expression protected by the First Amendment. However, the court ruled that Minnesota has a compelling interest in preventing non-consensual deepfakes, which are linked to harassment and psychological harm. The decision allows the law to take effect while the broader legal challenge continues, and it could serve as a reference for other states considering similar restrictions on AI-generated synthetic media.

## Key points

- A Minnesota court rejected xAI's request for a preliminary injunction, allowing the state's ban on 'nudify' apps to remain in effect.
- xAI argued the ban infringes free speech, while the court sided with the state's interest in protecting citizens from non-consensual deepfakes.
- The ruling could influence legislative trends in other states regarding AI-generated nudity.

## Full text

Despite a lawsuit from xAI, a Minnesota ban on apps that allow users to “nudify” images can move forward.

---

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