Apple has taken a stronger stance against harmful apps, including removing several apps from the App Store. These apps, which utilized AI image generation, allowed users to create non-consensual nude images.
Generative AI is a powerful tool for creative fields, but it can also be misused. The technology is a breeding ground for deepfakes and revenge porn.
Apple has previously been criticized for its inaction on these apps. A 2022 report exposed apps that disguised their true functionality on the App Store. In a report by 404 Media, Apple was informed about a number of AI image generation apps available on the App Store. Specifically, it was an app that was advertised as being able to create non-consensual nude images.
They harmlessly advertised deepfake porn features on adult websites. Despite the warning, Apple and Google simply asked the app to stop advertising on those sites, allowing the app to remain in the store.
As reported by Apple Insider, these apps offered features such as face swapping for adult images. Others were marketed as “undressing” apps that effectively strip clothing from the subjects of innocuous photos.
After being alerted to these apps and associated ads, Apple removed three of them from the App Store. Google also removed the app from the Play Store. Apple's decision to finally remove the app in question from the App Store is the company's latest move to keep its dealings with AI as normal as possible.
The report's investigation previously raised the issue of Instagram promoting the app through Meta's ad library, and once the ads were flagged, Meta removed them.
This action comes alongside Apple's other efforts to ensure responsible AI practices. They prioritize ways to protect privacy when training AI and avoid copyright infringement issues. This is in contrast to companies like Microsoft and OpenAI, which are facing lawsuits for using copyrighted material without permission.
Generative AI is a powerful tool for creative fields, but it can also be misused. The technology is a breeding ground for deepfakes and revenge porn.
Apple has previously been criticized for its inaction on these apps. A 2022 report exposed apps that disguised their true functionality on the App Store. In a report by 404 Media, Apple was informed about a number of AI image generation apps available on the App Store. Specifically, it was an app that was advertised as being able to create non-consensual nude images.
They harmlessly advertised deepfake porn features on adult websites. Despite the warning, Apple and Google simply asked the app to stop advertising on those sites, allowing the app to remain in the store.
As reported by Apple Insider, these apps offered features such as face swapping for adult images. Others were marketed as “undressing” apps that effectively strip clothing from the subjects of innocuous photos.
After being alerted to these apps and associated ads, Apple removed three of them from the App Store. Google also removed the app from the Play Store. Apple's decision to finally remove the app in question from the App Store is the company's latest move to keep its dealings with AI as normal as possible.
The report's investigation previously raised the issue of Instagram promoting the app through Meta's ad library, and once the ads were flagged, Meta removed them.
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