YouTube and X funnel millions of visitors to nonconsensual deepfake apps

Major social media platforms are operating as unexpected conduits for nonconsensual intimate imagery, directing millions of users toward the so-called "nudify" apps and websites that synthesize explicit deepfakes without consent. A fresh analysis from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue reveals the scale of this problem and the role mainstream platforms play in amplifying it.

The traffic pipeline#

Between December 2025 and March 2026, social networks generated more than 5.7 million visits to nudification sites, according to the ISD study. YouTube accounted for nearly one-third of this flow—over 1.82 million visits—with X trailing as the second major source at 1.3 million visits. Remarkably, this traffic came not through fringe channels but from mainstream content: users discovered these tools through videos reviewing apps, promotional content offering discount codes, and direct links embedded in popular social networks.

Policy vs. reality#

Both platforms maintain explicit prohibitions against sexually explicit material and links to adult content. Yet content violating these rules has proven remarkably easy to locate, effectively transforming YouTube into what the ISD researchers describe as a "gateway" to these tools. The platform's policies nominally extend to "altered or synthetic content that realistically simulates nudity," but enforcement appears inconsistent at best.

YouTube responded to inquiries by reaffirming its commitment to removing such content, though the ISD's findings suggest these safeguards are falling short in practice.

The economics and impact#

The financial incentives are substantial. Some services charge as little as $1 per image, yet the sector collectively generates an estimated $36 million in annual revenue. What makes this particularly troubling is the range of victims and motivations: while some targets are romantic partners or ex-relationships, others are family members—including minors. Researchers found that users aren't always driven by sexual gratification; many weaponize these tools to sabotage employment prospects and damage reputations.

Legislative response and ongoing risks#

Nonconsensual intimate images are now illegal federally under the Take It Down Act, which requires platforms to remove such content within 48 hours of a victim's request. Minnesota became the first state to specifically ban nudification apps in May 2026. Yet despite mounting legal pressure, the tools continue to proliferate and become easier to access. The ISD calls for comprehensive interventions spanning platform enforcement, regulatory oversight, and digital literacy education—a challenge that appears increasingly urgent as deepfake incidents have been .