YouTube and X Found Funneling Millions of Users to Nonconsensual Deepfake Nudify Apps

YouTube and X have emerged as the leading sources of referral traffic to so-called nudify applications, according to a new report, raising serious questions about how mainstream social media platforms enforce their own policies against nonconsensual intimate imagery.

The study, published Monday by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), an organization focused on countering extremism and disinformation, examined the online ecosystem surrounding apps and websites that allow users to digitally strip individuals without their permission. The findings reveal that major social networks—not obscure corners of the internet—are serving as primary conduits to these tools.

Mainstream Platforms Drive Millions of Referrals

Between December 2025 and March 2026, social networks directed more than 5.7 million visits to nudify websites, the ISD report found. YouTube accounted for the largest share, responsible for 1.82 million visits—over 30 percent of all referral traffic. X ranked second, driving more than 1.3 million visits.

Researchers discovered that YouTube videos surfaced through searches for terms such as "undress app" or "nudify app." These videos ranged from reviews and promotions of specific applications to content offering promotional codes for free credits. The report notes that this content appears to conflict directly with YouTube's policies, which ban sexually explicit material.

"This should logically include nudify websites or tools that generate non-consensual explicit imagery," the report states. "However, content violating these policies was easily discoverable and accessible on the platform, effectively turning it into a gateway to nudify websites."

Melanie Smith, ISD's senior director of research and policy, told WIRED that YouTube was not merely a passive traffic source. In many instances, the platform was actively facilitating the use of these tools. Smith also pointed out that YouTube's policies prohibit not only sexually explicit content but also links to and advertising for sexually explicit websites—a prohibition that, in theory, should encompass nonconsensual imagery and revenge porn.

YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle responded to WIRED's inquiry by stating: "We have strict policies prohibiting content that includes unwanted sexualization, such as non-consensually shared intimate imagery." Bullwinkle added that these policies cover both content hosted on YouTube and external links, including "altered or synthetic content that realistically simulates nudity."

A Lucrative and Accessible Industry

The ISD study also examined the pricing models of nudification tools. Some platforms allow users to generate sexually explicit content for as little as one dollar per image. Despite the low cost to users, the industry is highly profitable. A separate WIRED investigation previously found that these apps may collectively generate as much as $36 million in revenue.

The report identified common targets of nudification apps, including current and former romantic partners as well as family members such as sisters and cousins. Smith noted that researchers were surprised to find that users' motivations were not always sexual. Many requests appeared aimed at damaging individuals' professional lives, with some users seeking to get people fired from their jobs or otherwise compromise their livelihoods.

Platform Complicity and Regulatory Response

The issue extends beyond referral traffic. In January 2026, X faced intense public backlash after users began employing the platform's AI chatbot, Grok, to produce nude or sexually suggestive images of women without their consent, including images of minors. The company subsequently restricted Grok access to paying users and issued a statement affirming its commitment to platform safety and zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation, nonconsensual nudity, and unwanted sexual content. X did not respond to WIRED's request for comment.

Nonconsensual intimate imagery is illegal in the United States. The federal Take It Down Act, which took full effect in May, requires social media platforms to remove nonconsensually distributed images within 48 hours of a victim submitting a takedown request. Most states have enacted some form of anti-deepfake legislation. In May 2026, Minnesota became the first state to specifically ban nudification applications.

Despite these legal measures, the apps have continued to proliferate, becoming more accessible and easier to use over time.

Calls for Coordinated Action

The ISD report underscores the need for what it describes as "coordinated, system-wide responses spanning online, offline, hybrid and policy interventions." Recommended measures include increased platform regulation and funding for school-based digital literacy programs.

The urgency of such interventions is underscored by a recent WIRED investigation, which found reported deepfake cases in more than 90 schools worldwide. With nudify apps continuing to spread despite legislative efforts, the problem shows little sign of slowing down.

As mainstream platforms remain key gateways to these tools, the gap between stated policies and actual enforcement continues to enable harm at scale. Have you encountered this issue or have thoughts on how platforms should respond? Share this article and join the conversation.

Source: Wired