AI technology can be used for so many helpful and worthwhile tasks, but Minnesota lawmakers are aware of how it can also be used to harm individuals, which is why they passed an AI nudification ban law late last week.
Governor Tim Walz signed the new bill on Thursday, which will officially go into effect on August 1. The law “prohibits the access, download, or use of nudification technology, except when the website, app, or software requires the substantial application of technological or artistic skill by a human creator directing and controlling the output,” according to the House. Essentially, the law targets programs that use AI to fabricate nude or pornographic media from someone’s image or likeness.
Harsh Penalties
The law allows the Minnesota Attorney General to enforce penalties of up to $500,000 against companies for each photo or video that was created with their technology. Companies with access to this type of AI program will be required to turn off access to AI nudification technology for Minnesotans or face major fines.
The ban should make it much more difficult and risky to use AI technology to create fake images of celebrities, ex-lovers and children in sexual or pornographic situations. According to the Internet Watch Foundation, their organization identified 8,029 AI-generated images and videos depicting “realistic child sexual abuse” in 2025. Perpetrators who wish to create AI-driven child sexual abuse materials or individuals who want to generate revenge porn of a former lover after a breakup will face increased penalties under the new law, as will the companies whose programs make this possible.
The law also allows people to sue anyone who uses their photos for AI nudifcation technology.
“Technology is moving fast, but our responsibility to protect Minnesotans, especially kids and families, moves faster,” Walz said in a statement. “This bill makes clear that using technology to create fake, non-consensual intimate images is unacceptable and puts Minnesota at the forefront of addressing the harms of AI while protecting people from exploitation and abuse.”
With the passage of the bill, Minnesota becomes the first state in the country to ban this type of technology.
If you’ve been victimized by AI nudification technology, or you’ve been wrongly accused about creating or generating this type of content, the team at Appelman Law Firm can assist. Let us pour through the details of your case and help you figure out the next best steps forward. For more information, or for assistance with a different criminal matter, connect with the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
