400+ Apps Hid Deepfake Tools Behind Everyday Features

AI Safety 📅 Nov 3, 2026 ✍️ Aamir Raza

400+ Apps Hid Deepfake Tools in Plain Sight

WIRED found ordinary-looking apps that could secretly load abusive AI image tools after passing store review. LexxWire

The apps posed as harmless tools, including a pet portrait app called Viefur, to pass App Store and Google Play checks. LexxWire

After install, the app checked a remote server, which could swap in a hidden interface instead of the advertised features. LexxWire

Researchers found 27 related apps on Google Play in September with over 350,000 downloads combined; one app passed 100,000. LexxWire

Apple removed 19 apps after WIRED shared its findings and says it updated its guidelines on October 16 to cover hidden features. LexxWire