Apple and Google ordered to purge 'nudify' apps from App Stores
News Source
β’Fri, 17 Jul 2026 19:49:53 +0000
π° What Happened
The city of San Francisco ordered Apple and Google to remove dozens of "nudify" apps from their stores. These apps use AI to alter photos and remove people's clothing without their permission. That is called non-consensual deepfake pornography.
California has laws that make this activity a crime. In 2025, the state passed another law letting victims sue companies that help make such material. City Attorney David Chiu said Apple and Google are profiting from apps that hurt women and girls.
The city's letters say both companies were warned about these apps for almost a year. Reports from the Tech Transparency Project in January and April called out both companies. The letter says Apple and Google steered users toward these harmful apps.
π The Backstory
Deepfake technology uses AI to create fake but realistic images and videos. It started as a fun tool for movies and memes. But people quickly began using it to make fake nude pictures of real people, mostly women.
Tech companies have struggled to stop this. Apps that remove clothing from photos have come and gone for years. They often reappear with new names. Apple and Google say they try to remove bad apps, but critics say they do not try hard enough.
California has been a leader in fighting this kind of abuse. Other states and countries are also passing laws. The problem is growing because AI tools keep getting better and easier to use.
π― Why It Matters
Anyone can become a victim of deepfake abuse. These apps destroy reputations and cause real harm. Holding tech companies responsible helps protect people from this kind of digital attack.
The city of San Francisco ordered Apple and Google to remove dozens of "nudify" apps from their stores. These apps use AI to alter photos and remove people's clothing without their permission. That is called non-consensual deepfake pornography.
California has laws that make this activity a crime. In 2025, the state passed another law letting victims sue companies that help make such material. City Attorney David Chiu said Apple and Google are profiting from apps that hurt women and girls.
The city's letters say both companies were warned about these apps for almost a year. Reports from the Tech Transparency Project in January and April called out both companies. The letter says Apple and Google steered users toward these harmful apps.
Deepfake technology uses AI to create fake but realistic images and videos. It started as a fun tool for movies and memes. But people quickly began using it to make fake nude pictures of real people, mostly women.
Tech companies have struggled to stop this. Apps that remove clothing from photos have come and gone for years. They often reappear with new names. Apple and Google say they try to remove bad apps, but critics say they do not try hard enough.
California has been a leader in fighting this kind of abuse. Other states and countries are also passing laws. The problem is growing because AI tools keep getting better and easier to use.
Anyone can become a victim of deepfake abuse. These apps destroy reputations and cause real harm. Holding tech companies responsible helps protect people from this kind of digital attack.