San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu has sent cease-and-desist letters to Apple and Google demanding the removal of 13 AI-powered nudify apps from their stores. The letters accuse the companies of aiding the spread of nonconsensual deepfake images. Chiu warned that the apps violate California laws against supporting deepfake pornography services.
Chiu asked Google to remove five apps and Apple to remove eight. The apps allow users to create explicit images from ordinary photos of real people, often targeting women and girls.
Chiu stated that Apple and Google have likely made millions of dollars in fees from the apps. He described the technology as having a horrific impact on victims' reputations and mental health.
A Google spokesperson confirmed that the five flagged apps were suspended and that hundreds of similar apps have been removed. Apple did not respond to requests for comment.
Chiu said his office will consider further legal options if the companies do not act.
