Wired finds about 400 apps with hidden abusive sexual deepfake features
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A Wired investigation found a network of more than 400 apps and domains linked to Chinese-language developers that present themselves as ordinary services, including pet-portrait generators, language lessons and AI workout coaches. Under certain conditions, they would load interfaces for creating explicit sexual images and videos from photos uploaded by users, including scenes described as “bedroom rape” and knife threats.
According to Wired, the apps were promoted through thousands of ads featuring explicit deepfakes on Facebook and Instagram and directed users to Apple and Google’s app stores, where payments could be made. The investigation linked the network to the Hong Kong-registered entity KeLing Technology Limited, although contacts associated with it did not respond to requests for comment. A researcher at AI Forensics described it as an organized commercial operation using disposable apps designed to evade enforcement.
Why it matters · editorial interpretation
The investigation suggests that seemingly ordinary apps can serve as gateways to abusive sexual deepfake tools, while ads and payments circulated through Meta’s platforms and Apple and Google’s app stores. It puts pressure on these companies’ ability to detect and disrupt commercial operations designed to evade enforcement.
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