DeepNude, app that made women appear nude, still remains accessible
What's the story
In a shocking development, multiple outlets have reported that DeepNude, the app that made women appear nude, is still available on the internet.
The program, which uses AI to manipulate images of clothed women, was pulled down by its creators a few days ago.
However, as it turns out, a number of sources are still offering easy and direct access to it.
Here's more.
Distribution
Copies of DeepNude being distributed through forums, Telegram
A recent investigation by The Verge found multiple copies of DeepNude's Windows and Linux versions floating on the internet.
The software is being distributed through online forums, message boards (like 4chan) as well as dedicated Telegram channels, YouTube video descriptions, and Microsoft's own code repository GitHub.
Notably, all sources promise direct links to download the free iteration of the program.
Paid copy
Some users are even charging money for DeepNude
Along with free download links, people are also charging money for the controversial tool.
According to a report in the Motherboard, some unknown parties offered an enhanced version of DeepNude, one that doesn't crash and add a watermark, for a price tag of $20.
The link to the program was hosted on a Discord server, but now, it appears to have been removed.
Concern
This leaves women at risk of harassment
The wide public availability of this software could be a major threat for women.
Basically, anyone with a Windows/Linux machine could use this tool to quickly manipulate the photo of a woman and harass her directly.
Yes, it offers results with varying degree of success, but in some cases, the output can look surprisingly real. And, that is absolutely scary!
Shut down
Harassment concerns drove DeepNude's official shutdown
To recall, the concerns of harassment and misuse of the app was the sole reason that drove its demise.
Its creators had recently issued a statement confirming that the program was being shuttered and would no longer be developed.
They had said they greatly underestimated the interest in the project and the probability of its misuse is way too high.
Twitter Post
Here's the full statement from DeepNude's creators
— deepnudeapp (@deepnudeapp) June 27, 2019