The Alarming Rise of AI-Powered Apps That 'Undress' Women

Artificial intelligence (AI) apps that generate nude images of women without their consent are becoming increasingly popular, moving from niche forums to a fully-fledged online industry. These apps manipulate existing photos and videos to make individuals appear nude, leading to privacy concerns and potential online abuse. Recent incidents include a high schooler creating deepfake pornographic images of his classmates and 20 girls in a Spanish town falling victim to AI apps. In September alone, there were 24 million unique visitors to sites generating AI nudes, with referral links increasing by over 2,000% on platforms like Reddit and X. The apps operate on a freemium model, offering free generations before requiring users to purchase credits for additional features. Victims feel humiliated and powerless, with concerns about the impact on their personal and professional lives. While there is no federal law banning deepfake pornography, the US does outlaw such images of minors.