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.

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered a case after a 31-year-old software engineer allegedly lost ₹37 lakh in a complex investment scam involving a fake stock advisory group impersonating SEBI-registered analysts.

Authorities said the fraud was carried out over several weeks through a coordinated network that used fabricated trading platforms, manipulated data, and psychological pressure tactics to deceive the victim.

Fake SEBI-Linked Group Used to Build Investor Trust

According to investigators, the victim was added to an invite-only WhatsApp group claiming to provide premium stock market insights under the name “A15 SEBI Premium Market Analyst Insights.”

The group allegedly used forged certificates, fake registration details, and fabricated profit reports to appear legitimate. Members were also shown staged testimonials and transaction records to create the illusion of consistent trading success.

Police said these tactics were designed to build trust and encourage the victim to increase investments gradually.

Fraudulent Trading App Displayed Artificial Profits

Officials revealed that the victim was instructed to install a third-party application via an external link. The app reportedly simulated a live trading environment, showing fake profits and portfolio growth in real time.

Encouraged by the apparent returns, the victim transferred multiple payments into different bank accounts controlled by the fraud network. Over time, the total amount invested reached ₹37 lakh.

Investigators believe the system was entirely engineered to manipulate user perception and create false confidence in non-existent trading gains.

Withdrawal Attempt Triggered Scam Exposure

The scam reportedly escalated when the victim attempted to withdraw part of the displayed profits. At that stage, the operators allegedly blocked access and claimed regulatory violations had occurred in his trading account.

The fraudsters demanded an additional “compliance penalty” of 25% of the total balance to release the funds. When the victim questioned the demand, communication was abruptly terminated and account access was revoked.

Police said this pattern—blocking withdrawals followed by additional payment demands—is common in digital investment fraud cases.

Cybercrime Investigation and Fund Tracking Underway

Hyderabad Cyber Crime officials have registered the case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.

Forensic teams are currently tracking digital footprints, including IP addresses, communication channels, and linked bank accounts used to route the stolen funds. Authorities are also investigating suspected money mule networks involved in transferring the proceeds.

Authorities Issue Advisory on Fake Investment Platforms

Cybersecurity officials have issued a renewed warning to investors, particularly IT professionals, about rising fake trading schemes operating through messaging platforms and unofficial apps.

They stressed that legitimate financial institutions and SEBI-registered advisors do not operate investment groups through WhatsApp or distribute trading software via unverified links.

Citizens have been urged to immediately report suspicious financial activity to the national cybercrime helpline 1930 to improve chances of fund recovery.