Apple App Store Hosts 47 AI Nudification Apps, Including Sexual Assault Depictions
Updated
Updated · care.org.uk · Aug 13
Apple App Store Hosts 47 AI Nudification Apps, Including Sexual Assault Depictions
3 articles · Updated · care.org.uk · Aug 13
Summary
The Independent found Apple’s App Store offering AI apps that can turn uploaded photos into nude images, with some generating rape and sexual-assault scenarios and showing graphic promotional videos.
At least 47 nudification apps were identified on Apple’s store earlier this year by the Tech Transparency Project, and the new reporting found some of the same apps still available in the UK alongside others.
UK law already bans AI deepfake nudes under the Crime and Policing Act, while pornography depicting rape and sexual assault has been illegal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since 2015.
Apple’s own App Store rules bar offensive, creepy and overtly sexual or pornographic material, yet the apps remained downloadable at the time of the investigation.
Ofcom said it is actively assessing sites and apps under the Online Safety Act, though it currently lacks powers over app stores and will report later this year on their role in exposing children to harmful content.
If deepfake nudes are illegal, how are tech giants making millions from apps that generate them?
Will holding tech platforms financially liable finally stop the spread of illegal AI nudification tools?
Profiting from Abuse: How Apple and Google Enabled 705 Million Deepfake App Downloads and Sparked a Global Legal Reckoning
Overview
In July 2026, San Francisco’s City Attorney demanded Apple and Google remove 'nudify' apps that secretly enabled users to create nonconsensual sexual deepfakes. Despite strict policies, both companies had hosted these apps, profiting millions through transaction fees. Developers disguised the apps as harmless tools, easily bypassing app store reviews, while platform algorithms actively promoted them to users. This failure in moderation led to severe harm for victims, including minors, and fueled global calls for stronger laws and executive accountability. Enforcement remains difficult, especially as many app servers are based offshore, beyond the reach of Western regulators.