San Francisco Orders Apple, Google to Remove AI ‘Nudify’ Apps
San Francisco City Attorney demands Apple and Google remove 13 AI 'nudify' apps for misuse.
Why it matters: This marks a major legal challenge against exploitative AI face-swap apps, raising regulatory risks for app developers and platforms handling sensitive AI content.
- San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu issued cease-and-desist letters on July 15, 2026, targeting 13 AI-powered 'nudify' apps.
- The apps use AI to create nonconsensual sexual images, primarily targeting women and girls.
- Apple was asked to respond within 14 days and publicly committed to removing violating apps when identified.
- Nearly 96% of victims of AI-driven nonconsensual pornography are women, underscoring the apps’ harmful impact.
On July 15, 2026, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu sent cease-and-desist letters to Apple and Google demanding the removal of 13 AI-powered “nudify” apps from their app stores. These apps use AI-driven face-swap and clothing-removal technology to produce nonconsensual sexual images, disproportionately targeting women and girls, according to the City Attorney’s Office and Wired.
In the letters, Chiu accused the companies of profiting from these apps and demanded a response within 14 days, highlighting the legal risks tech platforms face if they allow such exploitative content to proliferate. Chiu said, “We will not allow tech companies to profit from tools that weaponize sexual exploitation,” emphasizing the city’s firm stance as reported by Axios.
Apple responded through a spokesperson expressing commitment to removing apps that violate policies promptly once identified, a statement covered by AP News. Google has yet to publicly issue a response.
These actions come amid growing interstate legislative efforts to address deepfake pornography and nonconsensual imagery, though enforcement remains limited. San Francisco’s move is one of the most direct legal demands targeting major app platforms’ responsibility for hosting harmful AI applications.
Advocacy and academic sources report nearly 96% of victims of AI-based nonconsensual pornography are women, underscoring the disproportionate harm caused by such technology, according to Wired. The city’s actions reflect increased scrutiny on how AI tools impact privacy, ethics, and consumer protection in the tech ecosystem.
By the numbers:
- 13 — AI-powered 'nudify' apps targeted in San Francisco's cease-and-desist notice
- 14 days — Response window given to Apple and Google for app removal
- 96% — Percentage of victims of AI-driven nonconsensual pornography who are women
Yes, but: Apple has stated willingness to remove violating apps upon notification, but Google has not publicly responded yet, adding uncertainty to enforcement outcomes.
What's next: San Francisco awaits Apple and Google’s responses within the 14-day deadline; potential escalation if companies do not comply.