Nudify apps are a disturbing use of artificial intelligence (AI) that parents need to be aware of. These apps can transform a regular, clothed photo into a realistic fake nude image — usually without the person’s consent. And, unfortunately, teens are using them.
In this guide, we’ll break down what nudify apps are, the risks, and what parents can do to keep their kids safe.
A nudify app is a type of software that uses AI to generate fake nude images by removing clothing from a photo. These apps typically train their algorithms using large datasets of explicit images scraped from the internet, which allows the app to recreate realistic human anatomy and create deepfake images that appear startlingly authentic.
Nudify apps pose serious emotional, reputational, legal, and digital risks, and the consequences can be long lasting. They include:
When a nudify app is used without a person’s consent and the resulting image is spread, the victim may feel violated, traumatized, and objectified. They may feel anxious about who might see the photo and unsafe at school if the perpetrators are classmates.
Because the images look so real, the person in the photo often suffers damage to their reputation when others think they posed consensually for the photo. (Yes, this is deeply unfair, but it’s unfortunately the way of the world, and parents and kids need to be aware.)
Once an image is online, it’s nearly impossible to fully erase. Even if it’s deleted, it’s often impossible to know if anyone printed, downloaded, or took a screenshot of the image. Images created on nudify apps may remain a part of a victim’s digital footprint indefinitely.
If your child creates or shares images made with a nudify app, they may be suspended, expelled from school, or kicked out of an extracurricular activity.
Nudify apps are new territory for schools, and many have been accused of being too soft with how they reprimand kids who create nude images of their peers.
Nude images of minors, even when they’re generated by AI, is illegal under federal law.
State laws vary, but kids have been charged with both misdemeanors and felonies. If found guilty, depending on the state, they may be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives.
The best solution is prevention. Here are some steps you can take:
Because the risks of nudify apps are so great, it’s vital that parents talk to their children about the issue. Here are some talking points to get you started:
It’s never too young to teach consent — start early and refresh often. Be explicit that using nudify apps violates the consent of the person in the photo and is never okay.
Let them know there’s never any excuse for someone violating their consent in this way and that they should let you know if it ever happens.
Teach your children to be responsible digital citizens and think twice before they share anything online. If they suspect an image might be fake or if they think it might negatively impact the person in the picture, they shouldn’t share it. Instead, they should alert a trusted adult.
Be direct and clear about the potential consequences of using a nudify app or sharing images created with one. Kids aren’t always great about thinking about the long-term implications of their actions, and they need to know how serious the fallout could be if they use these apps.
Nudify apps use AI to turn clothed photos into fake nude images without the consent of the person in the picture. Use of these apps and websites can have devastating consequences for both the person in the image as well as the one who created it.
Parents need to educate their children on the risks and take steps to monitor their online activity so they can immediately take action if their child is involved in a situation using nudify apps.
BrightCanary can help you supervise your child online. The app’s advanced technology scans their internet activity and updates when they encounter something concerning such as nude images. BrightCanary provides the best coverage across Apple devices and online platforms where children are most at risk. Download the app for free today.
