The Rise and Risks of AI Art Apps

McAfee Mobile Research identified numerous deceptive Android apps on Google Play marketed as AI image/avatar creators that instead performed malicious or unwanted behaviors — including FaceStealer credential theft, repackaged adware with injected ad SDKs and background ad commands, and fleeceware subscription scams. The report lists package names, SHA256 hashes, and install counts for identified apps, notes that Google removed them after disclosure, and provides user guidance on checking permissions, pricing, reviews, and privacy risks.