Apple and Google Promote 'Nudify' Apps Despite Explicit Bans, Investigation Finds
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Apr 15
Apple and Google Promote 'Nudify' Apps Despite Explicit Bans, Investigation Finds
2 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Apr 15
Apple and Google have continued to offer 'nudify' apps that create nonconsensual sexualised images, despite policies banning such content.
A Tech Transparency Project investigation found these apps are promoted through app store searches, ads, and autocomplete, and often rated suitable for minors.
The apps have been downloaded 483 million times, raising concerns over the platforms' roles in the spread of AI-powered deepfake and sexualised imagery.
Are app store age ratings failing to protect millions of children from explicit AI?
Is a $122 million revenue stream why 'nudify' apps remain on your phone's app store?
With new laws in effect, why do app stores still profit from illegal deepfake apps?
Why does Apple pressure some AI apps but allow others with similar violations?
How are global laws forcing tech companies to finally combat the AI deepfake crisis?
$117 Million in Revenue from 705 Million Downloads: The App Store Failure to Stop AI-Driven Nonconsensual Nude Image Apps
Overview
In early 2026, the Tech Transparency Project revealed over 100 AI-powered nudify apps on Apple and Google stores that create nonconsensual sexual imagery, generating $117 million in revenue and over 705 million downloads. Despite clear policy violations, these apps thrived due to inadequate human review, algorithmic promotion, and a conflict of interest from platforms profiting through revenue shares. The apps’ easy access exposed minors to harmful content and raised data privacy concerns, especially with many apps developed in China. Public outrage and regulatory pressure led to app removals and pledges for reform, while a related scandal involving xAI’s Grok AI highlighted broader industry failures driven by rushed AI deployment and fragmented global oversight.