San Francisco Urges Google And Apple To Pull ‘Nudify’ AI Apps From App Stores

The city of San Francisco has asked Apple and Google to remove dozens of “nudification” apps from their platforms. These AI tools let users upload photos or videos and digitally alter them to create non-consensual nude or sexualized deepfake images — an act that is illegal.

Why The City Is Acting

Nudify apps use AI to undress people in pictures without consent. The city says both companies are still hosting and making money from such apps despite California laws that ban them.

Under state law, it is a crime to “knowingly facilitate” or “recklessly aid” the creation of non-consensual deepfake pornography. A 2025 California law also lets victims sue third-party platforms that help distribute this material.

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said in a statement: “Apple and Google are profiting off apps that exploit women and girls by generating nonconsensual intimate deepfakes. While the companies have cut ties with some apps, they have a responsibility to be proactive and prevent sexual abuse.”

Reports Flagged The Issue Earlier

The Tech Transparency Project warned Apple and Google in January and again in April that dozens of apps in their stores were selling non-consensual intimate image tools for money processed by the companies.

The April report also claimed both firms had “steered” users toward such apps and called them “key participants” in spreading AI tools that turn real people into sexualized images.

Chiu’s letters warn of possible civil penalties and ask both companies to respond within 28 days.

What Apple And Google Say

Apple: A spokesperson said nudify apps are not allowed on the App Store. “We have removed three of the apps in question and are terminating their developer accounts. We are in contact with four others that must fix policy violations or face removal.”

Google: A spokesperson said all five apps mentioned in the letter were suspended from Google Play. “We investigate reported violations and take swift action. We have suspended hundreds of violating apps and blocked search terms like ‘nudify’ on our store.”