A growing dispute between a San Francisco-based AI startup and Apple has turned into a legal battle, with the developer behind popular apps Botify and Photify AI accusing the tech giant of unfairly removing its products from the App Store.
The company, Ex Human, claims the decision was arbitrary and has now filed a lawsuit seeking intervention.
According to reports, the case centers around Apple’s removal of both apps and an alleged withholding of around five hundred thousand dollars in revenue generated through them. The startup argues that it has not been given clear reasons for the takedown, despite repeated attempts to understand the decision.
Botify, one of the apps involved, allows users to interact with AI-powered chatbots designed to simulate conversations. The platform previously attracted attention after concerns were raised about certain user-generated bots. Some of these bots reportedly mimicked underage celebrities and fictional characters, engaging in conversations that many found inappropriate. In one instance, a chatbot imitating a well-known character suggested that age of consent laws could be ignored, which intensified the backlash.
There were also reports of bots portraying younger versions of public figures such as Emma Watson and Millie Bobby Brown, presented at ages below eighteen despite the actresses being adults today. These cases fueled criticism around how such content was being created and managed within the app.
Photify AI, the second app in question, has also faced scrutiny. It allowed users to generate images of real individuals in revealing outfits without their consent, raising serious concerns around privacy and misuse.
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In its legal complaint, Ex Human states that Apple justified the removal by citing dishonest or fraudulent activity but failed to provide any specific examples or evidence. The company points out that its apps continue to operate without issue on the Google Play Store, suggesting inconsistency in enforcement.
