Apple is finally taking action by removing at least three apps from its App Store that use Artificial intelligence, or AI, to generate non-consensual nude images.
According to a report by 404 Media, these apps were being advertised on Instagram, which violates Instagram’s policies.
The report highlights that Apple removed these apps after several users reported them and shared links to them and their corresponding advertisements to get them taken down. This is one of those rare instances where Apple relied on external assistance to identify apps violating its App Store policies.
404 Media’s investigation revealed five such advertisements on Meta’s Ad Library, where all advertisements on the platform are archived. Two of these ads were for web-based services offering similar capabilities, and three led users to apps available on the Apple App Store.
Some apps promised features like face swaps on adult images, while others were marketed as ‘undressing’ apps using AI to remove clothing from photos digitally.
Although Meta promptly removed these advertisements upon discovery, when contacted, Apple initially declined to comment and requested further details after the story’s publication last week.
This isn’t the first instance of concerns raised regarding AI-powered deepfake apps on the App Store.
In 2022, similar apps were found on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store, but neither company took immediate action to remove them. Instead, they urged developers to cease advertising such capabilities on popular adult websites.
In recent months, undressing apps have become prevalent in schools and colleges worldwide.
Some apps are distributed directly, while others offer their features through subscription services. This trend underscores the importance of tech companies’ vigilant oversight to prevent the spread of harmful and unethical applications.
