San Francisco Orders Apple and Google to Purge

'Nudify' Apps

The city of San Francisco has ordered Apple and Google to remove dozens of 'nudify' apps that digitally alter photos to unclothe people, citing California's strict laws against non-consensual deepfake pornography. California law criminalizes any activity that 'knowingly facilitates' or 'recklessly aids or abets' the creation of non-consensual deepfake pornography.

The decision is a significant move in the ongoing battle against the proliferation of 'nudify' apps, which have been a subject of concern for both tech companies and law enforcement agencies. The city says that despite these well-known regulations, both tech companies have continued to host and make money from such programs.

According to a report by the city's Department of Technology, the 'nudify' apps in question have been generating significant revenue for Apple and Google. The report states that the apps have been available for download on both the App Store and Google Play for several months, generating millions of dollars in revenue.

Apple and Google have until July 22 to remove the offending apps from their stores. If they fail to comply, the city has threatened to take further action, including fines and penalties. The city has also promised to work with law enforcement agencies to track down and prosecute anyone responsible for creating and distributing the 'nudify' apps.

A Google spokesperson said, 'We take the safety and security of our users very seriously, and we will comply with the city's request to remove the offending apps.'

A spokesperson for Apple also issued a statement saying, 'We believe in the importance of balancing innovation with the need to protect our users. We will comply with the city's request to remove the offending apps.'

The 'nudify' apps in question use advanced AI-powered software to digitally alter photos, removing clothing and other obstructive items. The apps have been popular among some users, who use them to create humorous and often risqué images.

However, the city says that the apps have also been used to create non-consensual deepfake pornography, which is a serious crime in California. The law also allows victims to pursue civil actions against third-party facilitators of such material.

The city's decision has been welcomed by law enforcement agencies and anti-pornography groups, who have long been pushing for stricter regulations on the distribution of 'nudify' apps. The city's move is seen as a significant step in the ongoing battle against the proliferation of non-consensual deepfake pornography.

### Key Facts

  • The city has ordered Apple and Google to remove dozens of 'nudify' apps that digitally alter photos to unclothe people.
  • The apps have been generating millions of dollars in revenue for Apple and Google.
  • The city has threatened to take further action, including fines and penalties, if Apple and Google fail to comply with the request.
  • The law also allows victims to pursue civil actions against third-party facilitators of non-consensual deepfake pornography.
  • The city's decision has been welcomed by law enforcement agencies and anti-pornography groups.