Meta sues developer of AI ‘nudify’ app for evading ad rules

Meta is suing a Hong Kong-based company for running ads on Facebook and Instagram

promoting an app that creates non-consensual nude images with artificial intelligence. The lawsuit targets Joy Timeline HK Limited, the maker of Crush AI, a so-called Nudify app

The app allows users to upload a picture of someone and create a nude or sexualized image

of them using AI. Meta filed the suit in Hong Kong to block the company from advertising on

its platforms. The tech giant says Joy Timeline repeatedly violated its ad policies, circumventing

the platform's review process even after prior ads were removed. In a statement, Meta said

this legal action underscores both the seriousness with which we take this abuse and our commitment

to doing all we can to protect our community from it. Meta also warned it's prepared to pursue

legal action against any similar abuse on its platforms. Researchers and lawmakers have been

sounding the alarm about the spread of Nudify apps, which remain easy to find online, in app

stores, and on social media advertising platforms. Earlier this year, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin

urged Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to crack down on Crush AI pointing to research that found more than 8 of its ads ran on meta platforms in just two weeks Meta says it now enhancing enforcement using AI to detect

inappropriate ads, even if they do not show explicit content. The tools include pattern

matching to spot copycat ads and coordinated efforts to disrupt ad networks promoting these

tools. Meta says it's working with internal and external specialists to track Nudify apps

as they adapt to avoid detection. The company also plans to share data with other tech firms

to help shut down these services globally. The move comes amid a surge in the use of Nudify apps

Research shows Nudify app Clothoff had more than 9 million users in one quarter

and is linked to high-profile incidents of AI-generated sexual abuse. Meta has also faced criticism for allegedly using different standards

when reviewing ads versus organic content. Researchers say they were able to upload screenshots of flagged ads

which were previously run on Meta, and found the same content was quickly removed when posted organically

The report accuses Meta of a systemic double standard and found Meta misled EU regulators about its review process

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