Apple Removes 19 Deepfake Apps as Probe Uncovers 400 Using Review-Evasion Tactics
Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Nov 2
Apple Removes 19 Deepfake Apps as Probe Uncovers 400 Using Review-Evasion Tactics
3 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · Nov 2
Summary
Apple pulled 19 App Store apps after Wired found they secretly unlocked sexual and violent deepfake tools, including templates labeled “bedroom rape” and “threatening knife.”
More than 400 linked apps and domains, apparently tied to one Chinese organization, passed Apple and Google review by posing as ordinary services, then loading abusive web features after server checks or ad-driven triggers.
Meta said it acted against more than 10,000 ad accounts tied to the network’s domains after the apps were promoted through Facebook and Instagram ads that highlighted the hidden functionality.
Apple said the apps complied at review but later swapped in pornographic content from external websites, underscoring how bait-and-switch tactics can bypass platform rules for months.