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Minnesota has become the first state in the U.S. to enact legislation banning nudification apps, which facilitate the creation of nonconsensual deepfake images. The law, signed by Governor Tim Walz last week, stems from advocacy efforts led by Molly Kelley, who, along with dozens of other women, was a victim of such technology.
House File 1606 prohibits the use of nudification software that allows users to digitally alter images of clothed individuals to appear nude. The new law enables survivors to sue app owners for damages and allows the state attorney general to impose fines of up to $500,000 per violation. Notably, the legislation includes an exemption for general editing tools like Photoshop, which require significant technical skills to produce nonconsensual imagery.
Kelley’s push for this law highlights a significant gap in existing legal protections in Minnesota and across the U.S. Previously, many victims found themselves without legal recourse, as laws regarding nonconsensual images often focused only on the sharing of such content. Kelley dedicated nearly two years to educating lawmakers and advocating for legislative change while managing her career and family responsibilities.
The problem of nonconsensual deepfakes has seen rapid growth, with reports indicating that automated systems have generated millions of sexualized images in a short timeframe. Advocacy groups have also noted a troubling rise in the number of individuals, including minors, affected by digital violence.
While other states, such as California, are considering similar measures, Minnesota’s legislation stands out for addressing the technology used in creating these harmful images. However, there are concerns about potential federal preemption of state laws regarding artificial intelligence, which could impact the future of such legislation.
This pivotal law represents a significant step in protecting individuals from digital abuse and may pave the way for broader reforms across the country.
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