Apple and Google App Stores Promote 'Nudify' Apps Enabling Deepfake Nudes
According to a Tech Transparency Project investigation, Apple and Google's app stores continued to feature apps capable of creating nonconsensual deepfake nude images through search results and paid promotions, including face-swapping tools with minimal safeguards. Apple removed some apps following the report, but advocacy groups called for more consistent enforcement across both platforms.
What happened
According to an investigation by the Tech Transparency Project, both Apple's App Store and Google Play Store continued to feature apps capable of creating deepfake nude images, sometimes through search suggestions and paid promotions.
Top search results for deepfake-related queries included face-swapping apps that could insert a person's face into explicit video content with minimal safeguards, and autocomplete suggestions directed users to more explicit queries.
Reported impact
The apps offered face swap templates that could combine clothed and naked images with few restrictions, enabling nonconsensual creation of explicit synthetic media.
Apple removed several apps following the report, but advocacy groups stated that more consistent enforcement and stronger safeguards were required.
Governance controls
Apple has removed several of the identified apps from the App Store, according to the report.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.