Elon Musk’s company sues Minnesota over ban on AI nudification technology

July 30, 2026 - 00:42

A company owned by Elon Musk has taken legal action against the state of Minnesota, challenging a new law that bans artificial intelligence tools designed to create nude images of people without their consent. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues that the state's prohibition violates free speech protections under the First Amendment.

Minnesota's law, which went into effect earlier this year, is the first of its kind in the United States. It specifically targets AI nudification technology, making it illegal to use or distribute software that can digitally remove clothing from images. The law also allows individuals who are harmed by such technology to sue the platforms that host or enable the nudification tools.

The company, which operates under Musk's broader tech holdings, claims the ban is overly broad and could restrict legitimate uses of AI, such as artistic expression or medical imaging. Legal experts say the case could set a major precedent for how states regulate AI-generated content. Minnesota officials have defended the law as a necessary step to protect privacy and combat nonconsensual intimate imagery, especially among minors. The court has not yet set a hearing date.