Apple tightens rules against hidden nudification apps

Apple has tightened its App Store guidelines to target apps that use AI to create offensive content and apps that disguise harmful features during review. The updated rules say developers must take steps to moderate objectionable or offensive user-generated content.

Apple says apps hosting user-generated content must filter objectionable material, let users report offensive content and allow them to block abusive accounts. It also prohibits hidden or undocumented features, including apps that misrepresent their purpose during review and reveal harmful capabilities such as nudification only after approval. Apple describes that practice as “bait-and-switch.”

The company said it will remove apps that add features absent from the version submitted for App Store review. It also strengthened language in its legal section to bar apps promoting human trafficking or the exploitation of children.

Apple said last year that its review process blocked more than 150,000 apps from reaching users and removed 193,000 developer accounts over fraud and abuse. In July, San Francisco ordered Apple and Google to remove nudification apps from their stores. In April, a Tech Transparency Project report said the stores hosted multiple such apps, some rated as suitable for minors.