Apple updates App Store policies to ban artificial intelligence nudify applications

Apple updated its App Store guidelines on October 16 to target applications that create artificial intelligence deepfakes. As reported by The Verge, 9to5Mac, and MacRumors, the updated rules explicitly ban nudify applications that generate nonconsensual sexualized images of people without their consent. App developers are now required to prevent and remove sexualized deepfakes from their platforms. [1][2][5]

The rule changes follow public criticism after users on the platform X used the artificial intelligence tool Grok earlier this year to create nonconsensual sexualized images, including images of minors. The Verge reported that while Apple did not pull X or Grok from the store, Apple told senators that it threatened to remove Grok. Protestors at Apple's WWDC event in June also called on the company to remove Grok, X, and nudify technologies. [1]

9to5Mac noted that Apple made a series of changes to strengthen protections against harmful content and deceptive app review practices following reports of applications exposing users to inappropriate material. The Tech Transparency Project identified similar issues in January. MacRumors added that while sexually explicit content was already prohibited on the platform, Apple now requires developers to proactively remove artificial intelligence deepfakes. [2][5]

Deepfake pornography involves generative artificial intelligence created by altering existing media to modify the appearance of people without consent. The practice is controversial, has been used for revenge porn, and has been criminalized in multiple countries through legislative measures. [11]