Federal Judge Lets Minnesota's AI Nudification Ban Take Effect, Denying xAI's Emergency Bid

US District Judge Donovan Frank denied xAI's request to block Minnesota's first-in-the-nation ban on AI nudification apps, letting the law take effect August 1, 2026. Frank noted xAI sued July 29 — three days before the effective date — undercutting its urgency claim. A preliminary injunction hearing is set for August 19. xAI's First Amendment challenge continues.