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Apple ordered to remove 8 "nudify" apps from the App Store
San Francisco city attorney David Chiu has issued cease-and-desist letters to Apple and Google demanding the removal of eight 'nudify' apps from their app stores for facilitating non-consensual nudification. This legal action points to potential violations of California laws against deepfake pornography, emphasizing the need for tech companies to take responsibility for app content that may contribute to sexual abuse. Although Apple claims to reject such apps proactively, ongoing scrutiny reveals significant challenges in enforcing its guidelines, and these recent developments may intensify pressure on both platforms to uphold user safety standards more rigorously.
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Published 18 Jul 2026, 12:30 UTC3 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Cease-and-desist letters sent to Apple and Google.
- Eight 'nudify' apps are the focus of the order.
- Legal claims suggest these apps violate California laws.
- Apple asserts compliance but faces scrutiny over enforcement.
- City attorney emphasizes tech companies' responsibility in content regulation.
Interesting facts
- This legal action comes after a report identified multiple 'nudify' apps available on major app stores.
- Chiu claims Apple and Google have profited from these apps despite their harmful nature.
- Apple initially claimed to block 'nudify' apps but recent investigations question its effectiveness.