Story perspectives

Apple and Google Face Backlash Over 'Nudify' Apps

1/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Tech Transparency Project found that Apple Inc. and Google LLC hosted 'nudify' apps using artificial intelligence (AI) to create non-consensual sexualized images.
The report identified 55 apps on Google Play and 47 on the Apple App Store, with 705 million downloads and $117 million in revenue.
Despite policies banning explicit content, the apps evaded screening using euphemisms.
Apple removed 28 apps after the findings.
Google suspended several apps.

History

Historical Context

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was enacted by the European Union in 2016 to enhance data privacy and user consent, impacting major tech companies like Apple and Google. This regulation emerged amid rising concerns over government surveillance and data requests, which increased significantly from 2014 to 2019, highlighting ongoing challenges in regulating digital platforms and ensuring user privacy.

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Story summary

The Tech Transparency Project found that Apple Inc. and Google LLC hosted 'nudify' apps using artificial intelligence (AI) to create non-consensual sexualized images.
The report identified 55 apps on Google Play and 47 on the Apple App Store, with 705 million downloads and $117 million in revenue.
Despite policies banning explicit content, the apps evaded screening using euphemisms.
Apple removed 28 apps after the findings.
Google suspended several apps.

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