Meta has initiated legal proceedings against Joy Timeline HK Ltd., a Hong Kong-based company responsible for developing and promoting an app called CrushAI. This application allows users to generate nonconsensual, sexualized images of individuals using AI technology. According to Meta, the app was advertised on its platforms—Facebook and Instagram—prompting the tech giant to take action. The lawsuit aims to prevent Joy Timeline from continuing to use Meta’s services to promote such harmful content.
Meta Confronts Repeated Policy Violations Amid Rising Concerns Over AI Nudify Apps
Meta stated that the lawsuit follows “multiple attempts” by Joy Timeline to bypass its ad review system. Despite repeated removal of the ads for violating content policies, the company allegedly continued its efforts to distribute them. Meta emphasized that this legal move highlights its firm stance against the abuse of its platform and its broader commitment to safeguarding users from manipulative or harmful technologies.
Meta Sues AI App Maker Behind Nonconsensual Images After 8,000 Violating Ads Flood Its PlatformsThe rise of AI-based “nudify” apps has alarmed researchers and policymakers. These applications are increasingly accessible online and have made their way into app stores and digital ad networks. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in February, demanding that the company address its role in facilitating the spread of such harmful content. The letter referenced findings from 404 Media and Cornell Tech, which reported over 8,000 CrushAI-related ads on Meta’s platforms within just two weeks.
Meta Strengthens Enforcement With Advanced Tools and Partnerships to Combat Harmful AI Content
In response to these developments, Meta announced updates to its enforcement strategy. The company has implemented advanced technologies capable of identifying inappropriate ads, even when nudity is not explicitly shown. These systems also help detect and eliminate copycat versions of the original ads. Furthermore, Meta is collaborating with both internal teams and external experts to stay ahead of evolving tactics used by AI app developers.
Meta disclosed that it is sharing information about these problematic apps with other tech firms, encouraging a collective effort to address the issue across platforms. The company is also applying anti-misinformation strategies to disrupt networks of accounts responsible for promoting such ads.
Since early 2025, Meta claims to have investigated and dismantled four distinct networks operating in this space. These actions underscore Meta’s resolve to tackle the misuse of AI in generating harmful and unethical content.
