Apple and Google Ordered to Purge ‘Nudify’ Apps from App Stores

The recent order from San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu demanding that Apple and Google remove “nudify” apps from their app stores is a long-overdue recognition of the tech giants’ complicity in perpetuating deepfake pornography. For too long, these companies have profited from hosting and facilitating apps that exploit women and girls by generating non-consensual intimate images.

The situation is particularly egregious given California’s existing laws, which criminalize any activity that knowingly facilitates or recklessly aids the creation of such material. In 2025, the state passed a law allowing victims to pursue civil actions against third-party facilitators – yet Apple and Google have continued to host these apps, processing payments for illegal purchases and raking in millions of dollars in fees.

Reports from the Tech Transparency Project highlighted the extent of this problem, noting that dozens of apps within their app stores sold deepfake NCII in exchange for payments processed by the firms. The project’s April report was particularly scathing, accusing both companies of intentionally steering users towards these apps and labeling them as key participants in the spread of AI tools that can turn real people into sexualized images.

Deepfake pornography has been a growing concern for years, with female celebrities often being targeted. However, the rise of nudify apps has made it possible for anyone with a publicly available photo to be exploited. The fact that Apple and Google have knowingly profited from this exploitation raises serious questions about their commitment to protecting users and promoting a safe online environment.

The city’s demand that the companies remove these apps within 28 days is a welcome step, but it should only be the beginning of a broader reckoning with Silicon Valley’s role in perpetuating harm. The consequences for Apple and Google could be severe if they fail to comply – civil penalties for violating California law are a real possibility.

This case highlights the need for more proactive measures to prevent exploitation and protect users. As policymakers and regulators take a closer look at Silicon Valley’s practices, one thing is clear: the industry must do better in protecting users and promoting safety online. The city’s actions should serve as a wake-up call for all tech giants – the era of profiting from exploitation is coming to an end.

Users are increasingly demanding more accountability and transparency from their favorite apps and platforms. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that Silicon Valley has some soul-searching to do. The time has come for tech companies to take responsibility for their actions and prioritize user protection above profits.