A fresh investigation has thrown the spotlight on a growing network of so-called ‘Nudify’ artificial intelligence apps available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, triggering alarm over women’s safety, consent and misuse of digital technology. These apps use AI tools to transform ordinary photographs into sexually explicit and objectionable images, often without the subject’s consent, raising troubling questions about how such applications cleared platform reviews and remained accessible for extended periods.
The continued availability of these apps, despite strict content and safety guidelines claimed by both platforms, has intensified debate over the effectiveness of app-store monitoring mechanisms and accountability in the age of rapidly evolving AI tools.
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Dozens of apps, hundreds of millions of downloads
According to findings cited in the investigation, over 50 such apps were found on the Google Play Store, while more than 40 were listed on the Apple App Store. Collectively, these apps have reportedly been downloaded over 700 million times worldwide, underscoring both their scale and reach.
Experts warn that beyond curiosity-driven use, the technology has increasingly been exploited to create non-consensual deepfake content, posing serious legal and ethical challenges and disproportionately affecting women.
Billions in revenue, commission under the scanner
Industry estimates suggest these Nudify apps have generated nearly $117 million (around ₹970 crore) in revenue so far. Under standard app-store business models, a portion of this income is shared with platform operators as commission.
This has fuelled criticism that revenue considerations may have outweighed safety concerns, with questions being raised over whether platforms exercised sufficient diligence while approving and monetising such applications.
Policy violations despite platform safeguards
Both Apple and Google publicly emphasise stringent user-safety standards and content moderation policies. However, the large-scale presence of these apps has exposed potential gaps in app review processes and enforcement.
Digital rights experts argue that such applications violate fundamental principles of privacy, dignity and informed consent, and risk encouraging technology-enabled abuse and cybercrime.
Action taken, but doubts remain
Following the publication of the findings, Apple confirmed that it had removed several apps from its store, while Google said it had suspended multiple listings and that further review was underway. Critics, however, describe these steps as belated and insufficient, warning that cloned or rebranded versions of the same apps could easily reappear unless systemic safeguards are strengthened.
Deepfake misuse adds urgency
The controversy comes amid rising global concern over the misuse of deepfake technology, particularly for generating explicit content without consent. In recent months, AI-powered tools capable of producing such material have drawn regulatory attention worldwide, highlighting the widening gap between technological advancement and legal oversight.
Call for tougher laws and tighter monitoring
Digital policy experts and women’s rights advocates have called for clear, enforceable laws targeting non-consensual deepfakes, along with greater platform responsibility. They stress the need for robust pre-approval checks, real-time monitoring and swift grievance redressal mechanisms within app ecosystems.
The road ahead
At its core, the issue extends beyond technology to public trust and accountability. As demands grow for stronger regulation and platform transparency, the coming months will be critical in determining whether regulatory action and corporate responses can deliver lasting safeguards for digital dignity and women’s safety.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
