In a significant move to protect user privacy, Apple and Google have removed a total of 75 apps from their platforms that exploited artificial intelligence to create unauthorized nude images. The Tech Transparency Project's investigation identified 55 of these apps on Google Play and 47 in the App Store, revealing a concerning trend of misuse involving AI technology.
Following the TTP's notification, Apple took action by removing 28 offending apps and cautioning developers about potential future removals due to similar violations. A Google spokesperson confirmed that several apps were suspended and that the company is currently assessing the situation based on the findings. Notably, some apps were reinstated after complying with the necessary guidelines.
Experts from TTP criticized both tech giants for allowing such harmful applications to remain accessible, highlighting that they can convert innocent images into explicit content without consent. Among the problematic apps, 14 were reported to originate from China, raising alarms over data privacy since local laws grant the government access to company data, potentially placing sensitive images at risk.
As the debate over the ethical use of AI continues, past incidents, including a backlash against the chatbot Grok for similar functionalities, indicate increasing scrutiny and legal actions related to deepfake pornography. In a related legal effort, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu initiated a lawsuit in August 2024 against the owners of 16 related websites.