Researchers at the digital advocacy organization Tech Transparency Project conducted an investigation into the accessibility of artificial intelligence image-editing applications that generate nonconsensual sexual or nude imagery. The study examined whether Apple and Google’s parental control systems effectively prevent minors from downloading these applications, commonly referred to as nudify apps.
The researchers created four test accounts—two through Apple and two through Google—all registered as belonging to 13-year-old users. Using search terms such as “AI video generator” and “adult AI,” they successfully located and downloaded 135 applications featuring functionality to remove clothing from images or superimpose faces onto nude bodies. The investigation revealed significant gaps in age-gating systems, with many applications inaccurately classified as appropriate for minors despite containing explicit content and features designed to generate sexual material.
The research was prompted by documented incidents of students at United States high schools using these applications to create nonconsensual sexual imagery of their classmates. In one case from December 2025, a Pennsylvania high school student utilized an app called Movely to generate pornographic videos using images of classmates. Such applications remain available despite governmental efforts to restrict their distribution, with many countries banning them from app stores and numerous US states enacting laws criminalizing possession of AI-generated child sexual abuse material.
Both Apple and Google maintain policies prohibiting nudification apps from their platforms and claim to age-gate adult content. However, the investigation found that these companies largely depend on developers to accurately rate content appropriateness. In several instances, applications advertised with explicit imagery were rated suitable for children as young as four years old. Additionally, researchers found that parental controls failed to prevent access, with some apps downloadable without triggering alerts to parent accounts.
Following the report’s findings, both companies took corrective measures. Google stated it regularly removes harmful apps and restricts related search terms when violations are detected. Apple announced strengthened content moderation guidelines requiring developers to prevent nonconsensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated content, and stated it had removed violating apps identified in the study.
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