The San Francisco City Attorney has sent cease-and-desist letters to Apple and Google demanding the immediate removal of thirteen artificial intelligence applications capable of generating nonconsensual nude images through face-swapping. According to WIRED, the letters were delivered on Thursday and target eight apps on the App Store and five on the Play Store.
The apps in question officially market themselves as face-swapping tools but are systematically used to "undress" photos of real people without their consent. The attorney's office requests both companies to sever all business ties with the developers and stop taking a cut of in-app payments, arguing that they are effectively aiding and profiting from the sale of explicit deepfake images. The attorney called the practice "illegal, harmful, and completely unacceptable," estimating that Apple and Google have collected millions of dollars in fees from these apps.
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Regulatory landscape and big tech reactions
Both companies have developer guidelines prohibiting pornographic content and have previously removed batches of nudify apps after being flagged by researchers. A Google spokesperson told WIRED that the company has deleted "hundreds" of apps with nudifying features for policy violations, including the five named in the letters. In June, it emerged that Apple had already tightened its App Store guideline language on developer responsibility for pornographic content.
This case highlights a troubling proliferation of generative AI tools used for illicit purposes. It is not the first time tech giants have been called out for deepfake apps on their stores. A previous report showed that 54% of enterprises have already experienced AI agent security incidents, underscoring the vulnerability of systems to misuse.
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Legal and social implications of deepfake proliferation
The San Francisco prosecutor's demand could set a precedent and push platforms to adopt more drastic measures against nudification apps. According to legal experts, if Apple and Google ignore the summons, they could be held complicit in the damages caused. Deepfake technology, while offering creative possibilities, poses a concrete threat to privacy and dignity, as documented in academic and regulatory resources.
The companies now have limited time to respond. Meanwhile, digital rights organizations are calling for stricter federal rules to prevent abuse. This episode marks a turning point in the fight against nonconsensual AI-generated content, with big tech facing increased accountability.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/17/demand-to-pull-nudify-apps
