Developers Hide Sexually Abusive Deepfake Features In Mundane AI Apps

A recent investigation by WIRED AI found a network of over 400 connected domains and apps that claim to offer everyday services, but actually create sexually abusive deepfake images. The apps, including one that generates pet portraits, can be downloaded from Apple and Google's app stores. Users can upload photos and purchase digital coins to create images, which may be explicit in nature. The true purpose of these apps is not immediately apparent, as they often appear to be harmless at first glance.

The network was uncovered after researchers investigated links from thousands of video ads containing explicit deepfake content on Meta's Facebook and Instagram. These ads, which reached tens of thousands of people, prompted investigations from regulators worldwide. The ads linked to the deceptive apps, allowing users to generate explicit images and make payments using Apple and Google Pay. The apps and domains appear to be run by Chinese developers and a Hong Kong-registered entity.

The apps in question may seem benign at first, but researchers found that they can load a web interface showing explicit deepfakes under certain conditions. This interface allows users to upload images and generate explicit content, including videos and images. The apps can determine whether to show explicit or non-explicit content based on user information, such as location and language. The reasons for showing explicit content are not entirely clear, but clicking an associated ad on Meta's platforms may be a trigger.

Websites linked to the apps reveal the network's secrets and scale of operation. The websites may appear empty at first, but they host a hidden explicit deepfake layer that can be loaded in each app. This layer contains dozens of pornography deepfake video and image templates, allowing users to upload images and generate explicit content. The websites also contain details about the entire network, including a list of domains and apps created by the developers.

Researchers analyzed the code and found that the apps started to appear towards the end of 2025, with a spike in registrations during the spring of this year. At one point, around 30 nudify apps and websites were being registered each week. The apps had been downloaded over 350,000 times collectively, with many rated suitable for all age groups. One popular app, called DiffAI, was downloaded over 100,000 times from the Play Store before being removed.

Apple and Google have taken action against the apps, with Apple removing 19 apps from its App Store and Google removing the majority of the apps ahead of being contacted. Apple stated that it designed the App Store to be a safe and trusted place for users and that nudification apps and other pornographic content are strictly prohibited. The company said it has suspended tens of thousands of apps for using bait-and-switch tactics over the last year.

The developers behind the network appear to be Chinese, with the code written in Chinese and containing comments in Chinese. The explicit videos in ads posted to Meta's platforms promoting the apps also contained watermarks from Chinese-language platforms. The true identities of the developers seem to have been intentionally hidden.