Apple’s new App Store rules crack down on AI nudification and ‘bait-and-switch’ apps

Apple has revised its App Review Guidelines to enhance protections against harmful content and deceptive practices in app submissions. Recognizing a recent surge of AI-powered "nudify" apps and deceptive apps that falsely advertised their functionalities, Apple has introduced new measures to address these issues.

In response to reports revealing that Apple's search suggestions and advertisements were directing users to such problematic apps, the company has updated its guidelines. Section 1.2, pertaining to user-generated content, now specifies that apps enabling users to generate, upload, or share content present significant challenges like intellectual property infringement, nonconsensual intimate imagery, and anonymous bullying.

Developers who fail to implement safeguards or rectify identified violations could be deemed in violation of the Developer Code of Conduct.

A particularly significant change pertains to 'bait-and-switch' apps, which misrepresent their purpose during review but reveal harmful capabilities post-approval. Apple now explicitly prohibits hidden functionality in apps, mandating that their functionality must be evident to users and during the review process. Violations include code obfuscation and removal of the app from the App Store and termination of the developer's account.

Moreover, Apple has reinforced its stance on apps facilitating human trafficking or exploitation of children, stating those apps will be removed and blocked from alternative distribution. For more details on Apple's updated App Review Guidelines, readers can visit the provided link.