San Francisco has taken legal action against Apple and Google, demanding the removal of AI-powered ‘nudify’ apps from their app stores. The city alleges these apps enable users to create non-consensual intimate deepfake images, violating California law.
In cease-and-desist notices sent to both companies, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu accused Apple and Google of continuing to host dozens of such apps and processing payments for them despite the risks. The city warned that further legal action could follow if the companies fail to comply.
‘Nudify’ apps use artificial intelligence to generate fake nude images by digitally removing clothing from photographs. Authorities say the technology is increasingly used to target women and girls without their consent. The notices argue that Apple and Google are facilitating the distribution and monetization of software that enables non-consensual intimate deepfakes.
The city has asked both companies to remove the apps, cut ties with their developers, and strengthen measures to prevent similar apps from appearing on their platforms. David Chiu stated that companies should not profit from software that enables digital exploitation.
While AI technology has made image editing easy, it has also made it simple to create highly realistic fake images that can harm victims. According to San Francisco officials, investigations revealed that some nudify apps were still in use despite app store policies against abusive, exploitative, and sexually explicit material.
This case adds to mounting pressure on major technology companies to take greater responsibility for AI-powered apps distributed through their marketplaces. Google stated that it removed hundreds of nudify apps and restricted related search terms. Apple had not publicly responded to the legal notices at the time of reporting.
The move marks one of the strongest attempts by a U.S. city to hold app store operators accountable for hosting AI tools capable of generating non-consensual intimate deepfakes. It also signals growing regulatory pressure on technology platforms as AI-powered applications become more widely available.
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