Minnesota passes ban on fake AI nudes; app makers risk $500K fines
This week, Minnesota became the first state to pass a law banning nudification apps that make it easy to "undress" or sexualize images of real people.
Under the law, developers of websites, apps, software, or other services designed to "nudify" images risk extensive damages, including punitive damages, if a victim decides to sue. Their offending products could also be blocked in the state. Additionally, Minnesota's attorney general could impose fines up to $500,000 per fake AI nude flagged. Any fines collected would be used to fund services for victims of "sexual assault, general crime, domestic violence, and child abuse," the law stipulates.
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Senate unanimously voted 65-0 to pass the law. That vote came after the bill just as quickly passed in the House last week, the 19th News reported. Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign the law when it reaches his desk, and if that happens, the state will start enforcing the ban this August.