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

July 28, 2026 - 21:35

A company owned by Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota, seeking to overturn a new ban on artificial intelligence software that can create nude images of people. The legal challenge comes just days before the law was scheduled to take effect on August 1.

The company, which operates in the AI sector, argues that the Minnesota statute is overly broad and poorly written. In court filings, the firm described the ban as "clumsy," claiming it could restrict legitimate uses of AI technology while failing to effectively target malicious actors. The lawsuit contends that the law violates free speech protections under the First Amendment by banning a form of digital expression.

Minnesota lawmakers passed the measure earlier this year in response to growing concerns about deepfake pornography and the non-consensual creation of explicit images. The law specifically targets software designed to digitally undress individuals in photos, a practice that has been linked to harassment and privacy violations, particularly targeting women and minors.

Supporters of the ban argue it is a necessary step to combat a rapidly growing form of online abuse. However, Musk's company maintains that the legislation is too vague and could inadvertently criminalize harmless image editing tools or artistic works. The case is expected to test the limits of how states can regulate emerging AI technologies without overstepping constitutional boundaries. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.