Minnesota Passes Landmark Bill to Ban AI Nudification Apps

The Minnesota House has passed HF 1606, a landmark bill that would make Minnesota the first state to ban AI nudification apps and websites that create non-consensual explicit images. The legislation prohibits the access, download, or use of nudification technology unless it requires substantial artistic or technological skill by a human creator. Violators face civil penalties up to $500,000, and victims can pursue damages. The bill, authored by Rep. Hanson, aims to curb the misuse of AI to fabricate nude photos or pornographic videos, which has particularly harmed women and children. The bill now requires a Senate floor vote and Governor Walz's signature. However, the Trump administration has announced plans to challenge state-level AI laws and develop a national framework, though U.S. senators voted against a proposed 10-year ban on state AI regulations. The news follows an investigation revealing that Apple and Google's app stores host and promote apps that digitally remove clothing from photos, despite policies against nonconsensual sexualized images.