Hundreds of AI apps hide sexual deepfake generators, WIRED finds
Overview
A WIRED investigation found more than 400 connected domains and apps that present as everyday AI services, such as language tuition or AI workout coaches, but stealthily load a web interface that generates explicit sexual images and videos from photos users upload.
The apps were promoted through tens of thousands of Meta ads and sold through Apple and Google app stores, and WIRED links the operation to Chinese developers and a Hong Kong entity, KeLing Technology Limited.
After WIRED asked, Apple removed 19 apps from its App Store, including the pet photo app Viefur, and Google removed many of the apps. Meta told WIRED it has taken action against 11,600 ad accounts, more than 4,700 business pages, 5,200 users, and 15,000 pages linked to the domains, and blocked 209 apps from advertising on its platforms.
Written by AI from the articles below · updated Nov 2, 5:56 AM ET
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- Wired · AINewsHundreds of Mundane AI Apps Are Hiding Sexually Abusive Deepfake Features
AIA WIRED investigation found more than 400 connected domains and apps that appear to be everyday AI services but load explicit deepfake generators under certain conditions. The apps were promoted through tens of thousands of Meta ads and sold through Apple and Google app stores, and the operation appears linked to Chinese developers and a Hong Kong entity, KeLing Technology Limited. After WIRED's inquiries, Apple and Google removed many of the apps, and Meta said it had taken action against thousands of ads and accounts.
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