The Apple App Store and Google Play Store are hosting dozens of “nudify” apps that use artificial intelligence to generate nude or sexualised images from photos of clothed individuals, according to a report released by the Tech Transparency Project, a nonprofit industry watchdog. The revelation comes on the heels of criticism of Grok creating sexualised images that were allowed to be posted on X (formerly Twitter).
In a review conducted in January, TTP identified 55 such apps on Google Play and 47 on the Apple App Store. Collectively, these apps have been downloaded more than 705 million times and generated approximately $117 million in revenue.
The report was published amid widespread backlash over users prompting Elon Musk's Grok AI (developed by xAI) to digitally remove clothing from images of women and children. The incident has sparked calls — including from UK regulators — for potential restrictions or bans on such tools.
“Both companies say they are dedicated to the safety and security of users, but they host a collection of apps that can turn an innocuous photo of a woman into an abusive, sexualised image,” TTP wrote the report.
TTP discovered the apps by searching store terms like “nudify” and “undress,” then tested them with AI-generated images of fully clothed women. The organisation examined two main categories: apps that use AI to digitally undress subjects in photos, and “face swap” apps that overlay victims' faces onto existing nude images.
Apple reportedly removed 28 of the identified apps from its store on Monday. Two apps were later reinstated after updated versions that addressed concerns were submitted. Google also reportedly indicated it was conducting a review and had suspended or removed several apps.
Watch LIVE TV, Get Stock Market Updates, Top Business, IPO and Latest News on NDTV Profit.
