Apple has updated its App Store developer guidelines to explicitly prohibit applications that use artificial intelligence to generate offensive content. The new rules also target apps that hide harmful features during the review process and reveal them only after approval, a practice described as bait-and-switch.
Developers are now required to implement robust moderation tools, including filters for objectionable material, reporting mechanisms for users, and the ability to block abusive accounts. Apple stated it will remove any application that introduces features not present in the version originally submitted for review.
The company also strengthened its legal language to reinforce the ban on apps promoting human trafficking and the exploitation of children. These changes follow a directive from San Francisco officials in July, who called on Apple and Google to remove nudification apps from their platforms.
In the previous year, Apple reported blocking over 150 000 apps from the App Store. Additionally, the company removed 193 000 developer accounts citing reasons related to fraud and abuse.
