‘Nudify’ apps: What to do if someone makes a fake nude of you
AI-powered ‘nudify’ apps are increasingly used to create non-consensual intimate images, posing a growing threat to individuals and particularly children. These apps use generative AI to alter clothed images into appearing as if the person is nude, and a thriving ecosystem of these apps is attracting millions of monthly visitors. While laws vary across jurisdictions – with the US lacking a specific federal law – and a growing number of third-party services are available to help victims remove these images, proactive steps like reviewing privacy settings and educating children are crucial to mitigate the risk.
AI-powered ‘nudify’ apps are rapidly gaining prominence, offering a disturbing new method for generating non-consensual intimate imagery. These apps leverage generative AI to transform clothed images into appearing as if the person is nude, by simulating anatomical features and blending them with the original image. A recent study identified a substantial and expanding ecosystem of these apps, attracting approximately 40 million unique visitors monthly, with significant traffic originating from platforms like YouTube, X, Reddit, and Facebook.
Currently, legal frameworks surrounding these apps are complex and vary significantly. In the United States, there’s no specific federal law prohibiting the creation and distribution of AI-generated intimate images, though state laws are evolving. The EU, on the other hand, is moving towards criminalization through a directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence, though national implementation details are still being finalized.
Despite these legal complexities, several resources are available to assist victims. The Take It Down Act empowers victims in the US to request removal of images within 48 hours, while third-party services like StopNCII.org and the NCMEC’s Take It Down service offer assistance in identifying and removing images from various platforms and search engines. Reporting to Google Search is also crucial to reduce the image's visibility.
If a child is affected, it’s vital to offer support and reassurance, emphasizing that the incident is not the child’s fault. Simultaneously, report the incident to the relevant platforms and Google Search to request image removal and de-indexing.
To minimize risk, individuals should proactively manage their online presence by reviewing social media settings, limiting public image sharing, and strengthening account security with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Education is key, particularly for children, regarding the dangers of oversharing and weak account security. Reporting to Apple and Google Play follows similar procedures, utilizing their respective reporting mechanisms to flag inappropriate content. While complete removal may be challenging due to image caching, consistent reporting across multiple platforms and services is the most effective strategy.