San Francisco Orders Apple and Google to Remove AI ‘Nudify’ Apps
7 reported
San Francisco city attorney David Chiu sent cease-and-desist letters to Apple and Google on Thursday, demanding the removal of 13 face-swapping apps from their app stores. The letters, seen by WIRED, allege the companies are "aiding and abetting" the sale of explicit deepfake images and should sever business relationships with the app developers. Chiu stated that Apple and Google have likely "made millions of dollars in fees" from apps that offer nudification, and he called for improved moderation processes. Google spokesperson Dan Jackson said the company has deleted "hundreds" of apps with nudifying features for policy violations, including the five Android apps flagged by Chiu's office. Apple did not provide comment ahead of publication. The 13 apps—eight on the App Store and five on the Play Store—broadly advertise as face-swapping tools, with sexual deepfake capabilities available after use. Chiu warned that if the companies do not act, his office will consider all legal options.
What’s reported
San Francisco city attorney David Chiu sent cease-and-desist letters to Apple and Google on Thursday.
The letters demand removal of 13 face-swapping apps (eight on App Store, five on Play Store) that allow AI-generated nonconsensual nude images.
Chiu says the companies have likely "made millions of dollars in fees" from these apps and should improve moderation.
Google spokesperson Dan Jackson stated the company has deleted "hundreds" of apps with nudifying features and restricted related search terms.
Apple did not provide comment ahead of publication.
The apps advertise as face-swapping tools, with sexual deepfake capabilities available after use.
Chiu said his office will consider all legal options if the companies do not act.
Key figures
David Chiu, San Francisco city attorney
Dan Jackson, Google spokesperson
Sources: Wired
