Fake Images, Real Threats: What Parents Should Know About “Nudify” Apps

As parents, many of us try our best to stay current on social media trends — Snapchat streaks, dance challenges, the ever-changing privacy settings. 

We lecture about cyberbullying, remind our kids that everything online is permanent, and set some healthy boundaries around devices. But a concerning new problem has emerged in schools across the country: “nudify” apps.

These websites and tools use artificial intelligence to transform ordinary photos into shockingly realistic nude images. In many cases, it’s teens themselves who are using these AI apps to harass classmates.

Over a hundred “nudify” websites now exist, making them surprisingly easy to stumble upon. Students — sometimes as young as middle schoolers — are using these “nudify” apps to digitally remove clothes from friends and peers, creating humiliating and alarming fake nudes. 

The images often pop up in group chats, on social networks, or are passed around during the school day. It’s a chilling reminder that technology can be weaponized in ways we might never have imagined, and it’s left many parents wondering what on earth they can do to protect their kids.

The Basics: What Are “Nudify” Apps?

“Nudify” apps work like this: someone feeds in a normal, everyday photo — maybe a child’s sports team picture, a casual snapshot, or even a selfie from Instagram — and the tool’s AI removes the clothing. These apps create a disturbingly authentic-looking nude image. Some sites are free to try, at least for a single image. After that, they charge small fees or require users to set up subscriptions. 

These online platforms can rack up millions of visitors in a single month and often push users to share or promote their creations on social media. Because so many of these “nudify” websites have minimal or zero age verification, they effectively let anyone — and we do mean anyone — access and use them, including minors.

Researchers who’ve investigated some of the major “nudify” websites, such as Clothoff, have discovered payment redirection systems that hide the true nature of the transactions. That means it can be surprisingly easy for a teen to purchase multiple “nudify” credits without raising obvious red flags for a parent reviewing a credit card statement. It might show up as “flowers” or “online photography tutorials,” disguising the real activity.

Why Are Nudify Apps So Serious?

When a teen finds out that an AI nude of them has been circulated, the emotional fallout is immediate. 

“I saw this group of boys laughing while a few girls were crying. That’s when I realized I had every right to be angry. This was unacceptable.” – Francesca Mani

Embarrassment, anger, fear of ridicule — these images carry more than just shock value; they can do lasting damage to a young person’s sense of safety and self-worth. 

According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, even if an image is clearly fake, it can still harm the victim’s reputation and mental health. In many reported cases, the images are passed around school, sometimes via Snapchat or Discord, and the targeted student may not even know the picture exists until they’re being confronted by classmates — or even publicly called to the principal’s office.

If that scenario sounds surreal, it happened to a 14-year-old named Francesca, who learned at school that her photo had been manipulated using AI. She never saw the image herself but discovered at least one girl’s AI fake had been shared on social media. 

Though her teachers and principal took action once they knew, she and her mother felt the response fell far short of what the situation demanded — and the students responsible reportedly faced minimal consequences. Meanwhile, victims like Francesca have to live knowing that those images might still be floating around, saved on someone’s phone or stashed away in a group chat.

“Who printed? Who screenshotted? Who downloaded? You can’t really wipe it out.”

Dorota Mani, mother of an AI nude victim

This example highlights a harsh reality: once a fake image is out there, it’s nearly impossible to ever make sure it’s truly gone. Deletion doesn’t mean much if someone already took a screenshot. The possibility of these images resurfacing can follow the victim for years.

Are Nudify Apps Illegal? A Shifting, Confusing Terrain

Now, you might be wondering: Isn’t this illegal? Generally, images that depict minors in sexually explicit contexts are illegal under federal child pornography laws. However, experts worry that “nudify” images don’t always meet the strict legal definition required for federal prosecution, and some states haven’t updated their laws to address AI-driven images or revenge porn that involves manipulated photos.

Some might be considered sexual content — but not legally explicit enough to trigger child pornography statutes. That legal gray area makes these cases complicated to investigate, and many local police departments and school districts haven’t yet pinned down how to handle them.

“A lot of people might say, ‘Well, these images are fake.’ But we know victims will suffer humiliation. They’ll suffer mental health distress and reputational harm.”

Yiota Souras, Chief Legal Officer at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

That’s why families are calling for stronger, clearer laws. For instance, legislative proposals such as the Take It Down Act — co-sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar — seek to close existing loopholes. 

If passed, the law would make it illegal to share AI-generated nude images of minors and would require websites and social media platforms to remove them within 48 hours of a verified request. It’s an important step, but as of now, many proposed bills remain in limbo awaiting votes or further congressional action.

Meanwhile, some states are stepping in with their own measures. From California to Louisiana, lawmakers are drafting or enacting new statutes that explicitly outlaw the creation and distribution of AI-generated nudes involving minors, sometimes attaching stiff penalties for violators. 

However, that patchwork of laws can still lead to confusion. Should a 13-year-old who experiments with a “nudify” site face the same legal repercussions as an adult predator? Should they be forced to register as a sex offender for life if they made a fake image? These are tough questions, and states are wrestling with how to balance serious consequences with the reality that some offenders are themselves children.

Schools and Nudifier Apps: Playing Catch-Up

For schools, these developments present a modern crisis few administrators ever expected. Many districts have anti-bullying or anti-harassment policies, but few include specifics on AI-driven harassment, “nudify” apps, or deepfake images. 

In some instances, school officials say they weren’t aware such AI tools even existed until an incident happened on campus. If no official policy addresses AI images specifically, then schools have to scramble to update its rules in the aftermath.

Parents whose kids are targeted by these deepfake images feel frustrated. They want immediate action — like an extended suspension, or zero-tolerance programs — but find that disciplinary measures are all over the map. 

In one district, the penalty might be a short suspension; in another, the offender could face expulsion or be required to attend an educational remediation program. Given the emotional and reputational harm to the victims, it’s no wonder families are pushing for better AI guidelines in every school.

The Problem of Big-Tech Enablers

One surprising element fueling the spread of “nudify” sites is the ease with which users can create accounts. Many “nudify” platforms incorporate sign-in systems from well-known tech companies like Google, Apple, and Discord. 

These single sign-on (SSO) options let people log in with a click, giving the site a sense of legitimacy. Parents might not realize that a Google or Apple login could be used in this way — after all, we see these buttons all the time to make our digital lives more convenient.

Many of these companies have already terminated developer accounts linked to “nudify” websites, citing violations of their policies. But it’s a game of whack-a-mole. If one site gets shut down or blocked, a new one often pops up under a different name or domain. 

“When these sites launched, and the way that they’ve been developing and going this past year, it is not someone’s first rodeo. It’s not the first time they set up a complex network.”

Kolina Koltai, Senior Researcher at Bellingcat

Unfortunately, the widespread use of SSO systems makes it incredibly easy for these sites to keep reappearing. Which is why some experts argue that big tech companies should take a more active approach to monitoring how their APIs and login tools are being used — and yank access for any website actively promoting non-consensual AI images of minors.

What Parents Can Do

When you hear about these AI “nudify” nightmares, it’s easy to feel helpless. Thankfully, there are practical steps you can take:

1. Have Direct Conversations About Privacy
   Let your kids know that even a harmless-looking photo can be misused. Encourage them to keep their social media accounts private and be selective about who follows them. Emphasize that they can always come to you if a friend or classmate tries to involve them in suspicious online behavior.
   
2. Teach Responsible Phone and App Use
   Consider safe phones built for kids until your child is ready for a device designed for adults. If your child is ready for a smartphone, review their app list regularly. Talk about what each app does and why it’s allowed — or not. It might feel awkward, but explaining these boundaries sets the stage for open, trusting conversations about tech safety.
   
3. Address Changing Behavior Right Away
   Sudden mood swings, a reluctance to attend school, or an unexplained spike in phone anxiety might be red flags. Gently check in: “Is something happening online? Is there anything making you uncomfortable?” Knowing you’re there to listen non-judgmentally can make all the difference.
   
4. Document, Report, Follow Up
   If you catch wind of a fake nude circulating — or if your child is targeted — keep screenshots, links, and any relevant usernames. Contact the school immediately, as well as local authorities if the image is illicit. Reach out directly to social platforms (like Snapchat, Instagram, or Discord) to request removal. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of limiting how widely the image spreads.
   
5. Push for Comprehensive School Policies
   Attend school board meetings, bring this issue up with parent-teacher organizations, or write to your superintendent. Ask for a formal policy that addresses AI-driven harassment — so that if (or when) an incident arises, there’s a plan in place. Encourage your school to treat fake images as seriously as in-person harassment.
   
6. Stay Informed About Emerging Tech
   AI is advancing fast. Spend a little time each month reading up on new tools and trends. One day, your child might ask about a new app or technology. If you’ve already read about it, you’ll be better positioned to guide them responsibly.

Why Proactive Parenting Matters

We can never fully predict where technology will lead our kids. But we can help them think critically about what they share online and with whom. We can foster a strong sense of empathy and respect, ensuring they recognize how harmful it is to use AI tools for pranks or bullying. We can also be ready to advocate hard for them if they become a target of one of these schemes.

At Gabb, we’re guided by a vision of building tech that’s safe, age-appropriate, and aligned with kids’ needs. Yet we also recognize that kids will interact with peers who have smartphones, and therefore apps, that aren’t built for them. By staying one step ahead, parents can help kids grow up with a healthy awareness of the risks and the tools to handle them.

When the Worst Happens: What to Do if Someone Makes a Nude Image of Your Child

If you ever find out your teen’s photo has been turned into an AI nude, it’s natural to feel shocked, angry, and even guilty. Remember: this is not your or your child’s fault. Gather evidence and seek help right away. 

There is hope. Take it Down helps wipe nudes from the internet and many families have found that local organizations — like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children — offer crucial guidance on next steps. 

Inform your child’s school (or district superintendent) in writing. If you feel you aren’t being heard, don’t hesitate to escalate the situation, whether that’s speaking to school board members or contacting legal counsel.

It’s a painful process, but you aren’t alone. Other parents have been in your shoes, and local parent networks, therapy services, or online support groups can make a huge difference in navigating that turbulence. Meanwhile, keep reassuring your child that what was done to them was wrong and they have every right to demand the images come down.

Moving Toward a Safer Future

Although the emergence of “nudify” apps and deepfake nudes can be disheartening, the fact that so many people are talking about it — and pushing for laws and better school policies — offers hope. Communities, lawmakers, and parents are beginning to recognize that AI can create very real harms if misused. 

While the legal and technological landscapes evolve, our greatest defense remains open dialogue and proactive parenting. We don’t need to be experts in AI to teach empathy, respect, or responsible smartphone habits. We can keep reminding our kids: real or fake, pictures have power, and using them to harm someone isn’t just “a prank” or “drama” — it’s a serious violation.

If you’re ready to learn more about keeping kids safe in a rapidly changing digital age, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter for helpful resources on family-friendly tech tips. By staying vigilant and informed, we can work together to protect our children and navigate any curveballs the tech world throws our way.