Apple and Google Ordered to Remove Non-Consensual Deepfake 'N*dify' AI Apps by San Francisco
San Francisco has ordered Apple and Google to remove AI 'nudify' apps that create non-consensual intimate imagery. The city alleges the companies have profited from these illegal services. Both tech giants have begun suspending the violating developers from their platforms. Check details.
The city of San Francisco has issued a formal legal notice to Apple and Google, demanding the immediate removal of several AI-powered "n*dify" applications from their respective app stores. These tools allow users to digitally alter photographs to remove clothing, effectively creating non-consensual intimate imagery. City Attorney David Chiu has accused both tech giants of hosting and profiting from software that facilitates s*xual abuse, specifically targeting women and girls.
As per a report by The Times of India, the city’s investigation alleges that Apple and Google have generated millions of dollars in fees by processing payments for these illicit services. Under California law, it is a criminal offence to knowingly facilitate the creation of non-consensual deepfake pornography, and recent legislation allows victims to file civil lawsuits against third-party facilitators, including app store operators. S*x Racket Busted at Nagpur Spa; Operator Held, 3 Women Rescued.
Legal Responsibility and Profiting from Illicit Services
The legal notice argues that the companies have failed to be sufficiently proactive in identifying and removing such content, despite being aware of their role in monetising these applications for nearly a year. The city has given both corporations 28 days to coordinate with local authorities to ensure full compliance and the complete removal of the violating software from their platforms.
Failure to comply with these demands could expose Apple and Google to significant civil penalties. Attorney David Chiu emphasised that these companies have a corporate responsibility to be vigilant and prevent the distribution of material that exploits individuals through deepfake technology.
Company Responses and Enforcement Actions
In response to the legal order, both technology firms have initiated enforcement actions against the identified developers. Apple confirmed that such apps are strictly prohibited under its guidelines, stating that it has already removed three of the flagged applications and is in the process of terminating the associated developer accounts. Customers of S*x Workers Cannot Be Booked for Trafficking, Rules Telangana High Court.
Google similarly announced that it has suspended the five specific applications referenced in the city's letter. A company spokesperson noted that Google actively investigates reports of policy violations and has suspended hundreds of similar apps while restricting related search terms on its store to prevent further access to this type of content.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2026 05:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
