Apple’s updated App Store rules go after ‘nudify’ AI apps

Apple has expanded its App Store moderation rules to explicitly ban "nudify" apps that use AI to generate nonconsensual intimate imagery of real individuals. While sexually explicit content was previously prohibited, the updated 1.2 rule requires developers to proactively prevent and remove AI-generated deepfakes. MacRumors reports that Apple warned developers that apps containing such content could be removed if they fail to take action.

Additionally, Apple added guideline 2.5.19 to clarify that developers risk removal if they include features or functionality that were not present during the initial submission and review process.

These changes follow various controversies involving harmful content on the platform. The Verge notes that Apple faced criticism after users utilized Grok on X to create nonconsensual, sexualized deepfakes, including those of minors. According to MacRumors, Apple had previously threatened to remove Grok from the App Store, though it later approved an updated version after xAI implemented safeguards.

9to5Mac reports that a San Francisco city attorney ordered the removal of apps capable of generating such imagery, while a separate investigation by 9to5Mac found dozens of apps disguising gambling platforms as games to evade review.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Verge, MacRumors, 9to5Mac — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.