News Minnesota HF 1606 AI Nudification Ban 2026
April 24, 2026 — The Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 1606, a landmark bill banning AI "nudification" technology that generates non-consensual nude or sexually explicit images from real people's photographs, by a vote of 132-1.[1][2]
Overview
HF 1606, sponsored by Representative Jess Hanson (D), targets the growing problem of AI-powered "nudification" tools that create explicit images of individuals without their consent. The bill passed the House on April 24, 2026, and now awaits a vote in the Minnesota Senate. If enacted, it would be among the first state laws to explicitly ban nudification technology rather than merely penalizing the distribution of its output.[1][2]
Key Provisions
Ban on Nudification Technology
The bill prohibits owners and controllers of websites, applications, and programs from:[3]
- Allowing users to access or use nudification tools on their platforms
- Performing nudification on behalf of users
- Advertising or promoting nudification technology
Definition of "Nudify"
"Nudify" is defined as using artificial intelligence to depict the intimate parts of a person explicitly without their consent. The bill includes an exemption for tools requiring substantial human technological or artistic skill, meaning AI-assisted creative tools that require meaningful human direction would not be covered.[3][2]
Penalties and Remedies
- Civil penalties of up to $500,000 for companies that violate the ban[2]
- Victims may sue for up to 3x actual damages, punitive damages, injunctions, and attorney fees[1][2]
- Private right of action allowing individuals harmed by nudification technology to seek relief in court
Legislative History
- Introduced: 2026 Minnesota legislative session
- April 24, 2026: Passed House 132-1[1]
- Next step: Senate floor vote (companion bill progressing in Senate)[2]
- If passed: Sent to Governor Tim Walz for signature
Context
HF 1606 is part of a broader Minnesota legislative effort to address AI-enabled harms. A separate bill, HB 1887, addresses deepfake protections more broadly and was approved by the House on April 20, 2026, currently pending in the Senate.[4]
The bill follows a national trend of states targeting AI-generated explicit content. Several states have enacted or are considering similar legislation, including Tennessee's ELVIS Act and California's deepfake criminalization laws. Minnesota's approach is notable for directly banning the technology itself rather than relying solely on penalizing distribution of AI-generated explicit images.
Minnesota's bill is also among the first to target the nudification technology market specifically, rather than treating all AI-generated explicit content identically. By distinguishing between fully automated nudification tools and human-directed artistic tools, the legislation attempts to preserve creative uses of AI while closing the loophole exploited by "clothing removal" apps and websites.
See Also
- Nebraska Enacts Conversational AI Safety Act
- Tennessee House Passes CHAT Act
- California SB 1015 Deepfake Extortion
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 CBS News Minnesota, Minnesota House passes bill banning nudification technology
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 PetaPixel, Minnesota passes landmark bill to ban AI nudification apps
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Minnesota House Research, HF 1606 Summary
- ↑ Transparency Coalition, AI Legislative Update — April 24, 2026