San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu has issued cease-and-desist notices to Apple and Google, directing both technology companies to remove a number of AI-powered “nudify” applications from their app stores within 28 days or risk potential civil penalties under California law.

The legal notices target 13 applications—eight available on Apple’s App Store and five on Google Play—that authorities say can generate non-consensual, sexually explicit AI images of real people using ordinary photographs without their permission.

California Cites Deepfake Laws in Enforcement Action

According to the City Attorney’s Office, the action relies on two California laws designed to address the misuse of artificial intelligence for creating intimate deepfake content.

One statute makes it a criminal offence to knowingly facilitate or recklessly assist in the creation of non-consensual intimate deepfakes. Another law, enacted in 2025, allows civil action against digital platforms that continue to host or distribute such applications after receiving formal notice, potentially exposing app stores to legal liability.

Officials argue that Apple and Google were previously informed about the presence of these applications but allegedly allowed them to remain available while continuing to process in-app purchases.

Chiu stated that beyond any financial benefit earned through platform commissions, the apps have the potential to cause significant emotional, psychological, and reputational harm to victims whose images are manipulated without consent.

Research Report Prompted Wider Scrutiny

The legal action follows reports published by the Tech Transparency Project, a nonprofit research organization that documented the availability of AI “nudify” applications on major app marketplaces.

A report released in January 2026 identified numerous apps capable of generating synthetic intimate images, while a follow-up investigation in April 2026 alleged that many of those applications remained available and continued generating revenue. The report also claimed that some apps carried age ratings that could make them accessible to younger users despite their intended functionality.

Apple and Google Respond

Following the legal notices, both companies confirmed they had taken action against some of the identified applications.

Google said it had suspended all five apps named in the notice from Google Play, citing violations of its policies governing sexually explicit content.

Apple stated that its App Store guidelines prohibit applications designed to create or distribute pornographic material. The company said it had removed three of the identified apps, terminated the associated developer accounts, and was continuing discussions with the developers of the remaining applications over alleged policy violations.

AI Deepfake Platforms Face Growing Legal Pressure

The latest enforcement effort forms part of a broader campaign by San Francisco authorities to combat the misuse of artificial intelligence for creating non-consensual intimate imagery.

City officials have previously pursued legal action against websites offering similar AI-based image-generation services. Researchers have also raised concerns that major online platforms may inadvertently contribute to the spread of such tools by allowing advertising or promotional content that directs users to them.

Meanwhile, debate continues at the federal level over stronger legal protections for victims of AI-generated intimate imagery. While proposed legislation such as the DEFIANCE Act seeks to expand victims’ ability to pursue civil claims, California’s existing laws provide broader mechanisms for holding online platforms accountable in certain circumstances.

Authorities have increasingly warned that the misuse of generative AI extends beyond synthetic imagery. According to federal law enforcement data, AI-enabled fraud contributed to hundreds of millions of dollars in financial losses during 2025, highlighting the growing challenge regulators face in addressing emerging forms of digital abuse.

Reliance Jio has crossed a significant milestone in its space connectivity ambitions after its proposal to deploy a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation of around 1,600 satellites received a positive technical assessment from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).

The evaluation, conducted jointly by IN-SPACe, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing of the Department of Telecommunications, reportedly concluded that Jio’s proposed system meets the required technical standards and is comparable to leading global satellite broadband networks.

India’s Indigenous LEO Satellite Vision

Under the proposal, Reliance Jio plans to deploy between 1,600 and 1,650 satellites in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of around 650 kilometres.

The planned constellation is expected to provide high-speed satellite connectivity across India, with approximately 32 satellites visible from any location at a given time. The company aims to roll out the network within the next two to three years, subject to regulatory approvals.

According to industry estimates, the satellite system could deliver 4.5 to 5 terabits per second (Tbps) of total data capacity, making it one of the largest satellite broadband projects proposed in India.

The project is expected to require an investment of $10–15 billion (approximately ₹95,000 crore to ₹1.42 lakh crore), reflecting the scale of infrastructure needed for satellite manufacturing, launches, ground stations, and user terminals.

Regulatory Process Moves Forward

Following the successful technical review, the proposal is expected to move into the next phase of regulatory approvals.

The government may now assist Jio in securing orbital slots, coordinating spectrum usage, and filing applications with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the global body responsible for managing satellite orbit and frequency allocations.

Obtaining orbital rights remains a critical step, as Low Earth Orbit has become increasingly competitive due to the growing number of satellite broadband projects being planned worldwide.

Officials also indicated that the proposed satellite architecture has been designed to coexist with future Indian LEO constellations, allowing multiple domestic operators to share orbital resources efficiently.

Broadband, Mobile Connectivity, and Strategic Applications

Jio plans to use the satellite network to provide a range of communication services, including satellite broadband, mobile backhaul, enterprise connectivity, and direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communication, particularly in remote and underserved regions where conventional telecom infrastructure is limited.

The company also intends to establish 20 to 22 ground stations across India to support network operations.

Apart from commercial telecommunications, officials have highlighted the project’s potential strategic importance. A domestically developed satellite constellation could strengthen India’s communication infrastructure, reduce dependence on foreign satellite operators, and support national security requirements.

Reports suggest preliminary discussions are underway regarding the possibility of integrating defence-related payloads into some satellites, enabling both civilian and strategic use.

Major Step for India’s Space and Telecom Sectors

Industry analysts view the technical clearance as an important milestone in India’s expanding private space ecosystem. If Jio secures the remaining regulatory approvals and international orbital clearances, the project could become the country’s first large-scale indigenous LEO satellite broadband network.

The initiative also aligns with India’s broader efforts to expand digital connectivity while strengthening its presence in the global satellite communications market.

New Delhi: Indian security agencies have issued an alert over an alleged emerging online recruitment tactic linked to extremist networks, warning that women could be targeted through fake friendships, emotional manipulation and fraudulent marriage proposals on digital platforms.

According to intelligence assessments, operatives associated with Jamaat-ul-Mominat (JUM), described by agencies as the women’s wing of banned terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), are allegedly using social media and messaging applications to establish contact with potential targets. Officials said the strategy involves building emotional trust over an extended period before attempting to influence or manipulate individuals.

Security agencies are continuing to verify the intelligence inputs and have stressed that investigations into specific cases remain ongoing.

Social Media Used as a Recruitment Tool

Officials familiar with the matter said suspected operatives may use online conversations to create a sense of friendship or romantic attachment. These interactions are reportedly designed to appear natural and may continue for weeks or months before any discussion about travel, relationships or ideological issues begins.

Investigators believe the alleged objective is to gradually isolate targets from their normal support systems and encourage overseas travel under the pretext of marriage or personal relationships. Agencies are examining whether such methods are being used to facilitate radicalisation or obtain sensitive information.

Authorities have emphasised that initial conversations typically focus on personal topics rather than security-related matters, making the activity difficult to identify in its early stages.

Border States Under Greater Watch

Intelligence agencies are reportedly paying closer attention to areas near the India-Pakistan border, including parts of Rajasthan, due to concerns about possible attempts to exploit geographic proximity.

Officials have also examined the possibility that individuals attempting to move across borders could use indirect travel routes through third countries. However, agencies have stated that such assessments are based on ongoing intelligence analysis and require further verification.

Experts Highlight Risks of Online Manipulation

Cybersecurity experts have warned that extremist organisations worldwide are increasingly using digital platforms, psychological tactics and social engineering techniques to influence individuals.

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh said people should be cautious about online relationships involving unknown individuals, especially when conversations quickly move towards marriage, foreign travel or requests for confidential information.

Experts advise users to verify identities independently, avoid sharing personal details with strangers online and report suspicious interactions to law enforcement authorities.

Authorities Issue Safety Advisory

Security agencies have urged citizens to maintain caution while using social media and messaging platforms. People have been advised to:

• Verify the identity of unknown online contacts before developing personal relationships.
• Avoid sharing private information, documents or location details.
• Be cautious of sudden marriage proposals or pressure to travel abroad.
• Report suspicious online activity through appropriate cybercrime reporting channels.

Officials said intelligence agencies are continuously monitoring digital threats and strengthening efforts to identify and prevent online-based recruitment and manipulation attempts.