Family Discussion: Fake Photo Fight
The following article is designed to help parents dialogue about a current event with their children. It was written at a 7th grade reading level.
READ
Minnesota is banning technology that allows people to make fake nude images.
The state’s new law forbids apps and websites from making explicit photos of people using AI (called a “deepfake”). Companies will be fined $500,000 every time a user makes an inappropriate deepfake. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is the first state ever to adopt a law like this.
Governor Tim Walz (MN-D) signed the law in May, and it went into effect Saturday.
However, Elon Musk’s company xAI sued Minnesota over the law last Monday. xAI supports trying to stop the spread of AI-generated explicit images of real people but argues the law goes too far and its language is too broad. The Grok-maker worries that appropriate images (like some used for “artistic, scientific… educational, [or] medical” purposes) will be lumped in, saying it wouldn’t be fair to fine so steeply for something like that. It also says the law goes against freedom of speech.
xAI wanted MN to hit the brakes on the law, but a judge said no. He said the company should’ve asked sooner (like when the law was signed in May). Since they waited, the judge determined the risk likely wasn’t urgent and scheduled a court date for August 19. He will decide then whether to put the law on pause while the court case plays out.
REFLECT
What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Adolescence is a time of discomfort within our own skin, and deepfake images turn up the anxiety level. As lies about being human amplify, arm your kids with these truths:
God made them and called his creation “very good” (Genesis 1:26-27, 31).
Our bodies are designed to worship our Creator (Romans 12:1-2).
The Lord prizes inner virtue over outward presentation (1 Peter 3:3-4).
God Himself took a body to free us from brokenness, cleanse our shame, and redeem both our bodies and our souls. One day, God will make all of us new, and we’ll see ourselves as He does (Philippians 3:21).
What response to this story do I want to model for my children?
Using tech to serve others. As tech capabilities grow, believers have tough decisions to make about what we will use and how. As you evaluate your usage, consider: Do my choices build others up? Am I just serving myself or helping my neighbor thrive? Because “each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself” (Romans 15:2-3 CSB).
RESPOND
Make a list of the digital tech you’re using, then evaluate together: Why do I use this? Is my usage honoring God? What habits need to change?
Memorize Romans 14:13-19 “Let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another” (CSB).
Pray for your family’s use of technology: Dear God, thank you for giving people smart ideas to build cool things—like computers, tablets, and phones—that help us learn, play, work, and stay close to our friends and family. Help us use these tools in kind and helpful ways that make other people happy and show Your love. Remind us that even though technology can do amazing things, You are the ultimate Creator of everything, and no machine could ever take Your place. Amen.
Credit: Decaf (The Pour Over for Families). "Deepfake Debates." August 6, 2026.