An inquiry conducted by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP), a digital advocacy group, has revealed that the Apple App Store and Google Play Store continue to host numerous AI-powered 'nudify' applications. These tools produce unauthorized and explicit visuals of individuals, contravening the established guidelines of both marketplaces.
The study identified a total of 55 such applications on Google Play and 47 on the Apple App Store. Additionally, both services provide users with access to xAI's Grok, widely recognized as a prominent generator of nonconsensual deepfake content.
"The platforms run by Apple and Google are expected to thoroughly review submissions, yet they continue to distribute numerous programs capable of depicting individuals in scant or absent attire, creating significant potential for misuse," stated Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director of the nonprofit organization behind TTP.
The applications highlighted in the findings have amassed more than 700 million downloads and produced over $117 million in earnings, from which Apple and Google receive a portion.
A considerable number of these apps carry age ratings appropriate for teenagers and younger users. For example, DreamFace is classified as suitable for those 13 and older on Google Play and for ages nine and above on the Apple App Store.
In response to the findings, Apple indicated it had eliminated 24 apps from its platform, as noted in a CNBC update, though this number is below the 47 detected by TTP. A representative from Google mentioned that multiple apps mentioned in the report were suspended due to policy breaches, without specifying the exact count removed.
This analysis follows revelations that Elon Musk's Grok AI produced explicit depictions of adult women and minors. During an 11-day span, the system created approximately three million such explicit images, including 22,000 featuring children.
xAI officials have offered limited commentary on these claims, primarily through an automated message to reporters stating "Legacy Media Lies." Musk has asserted his lack of knowledge regarding any nude images of minors produced by Grok, emphasizing "literally zero."
The safety division of X issued a statement indicating that individuals who direct or use Grok to create prohibited material will face penalties equivalent to those for directly posting such content. Notably, Grok itself has shown greater accountability than company personnel by issuing an apology for generating explicit images involving minors.