Federal appeals court pauses Minnesota's AI nudification ban
Minnesota's law banning AI "nudification" images has been put on hold after a federal appeals court sided with Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company.
A federal appeals court has temporarily halted Minnesota's newly enacted AI "nudification" law, siding with Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order granting an injunction sought by xAI, pausing the enforcement of the state's law while the company's appeal progresses. The court's decision was brief and did not elaborate on its reasoning.
In September, a lower court had previously ruled that the law could remain in effect during the ongoing lawsuit, but the appeals court reversed that decision. The law, which unanimously passed the state Senate and received support from all but one House member, bans the use of AI to create pornographic or sexually explicit images of real people.
Companies or individuals who create such nonconsensual images could face civil penalties of up to $500,000, and victims may seek damages. xAI filed a lawsuit three days before the law's scheduled August 1st implementation, contending that the statute infringes upon the First Amendment and violates free speech rights. The company requested a preliminary injunction to prevent the law from taking effect until the legal dispute was resolved.
Upon learning of the court's decision, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison expressed pride in defending the legislation.
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