Google has rolled back a new AI feature in Google Earth just one day after introducing it, following criticism that it could be used to create misleading or fabricated satellite imagery.
The feature, launched on Thursday, allowed users to use Nano Banana 2, Google’s AI image generation model, to place AI-generated images into Google Earth. Google said the tool was designed to encourage users to reimagine geography creatively.
However, the launch quickly drew criticism from journalists and researchers, who warned that it could make it easier to create convincing misinformation by inserting fabricated images into real-world satellite maps.
Critics raised misinformation concerns
Because the feature accepted text prompts, users could generate almost any scene and overlay it onto authentic satellite imagery, raising concerns that fake geographic content could spread online.
A BBC journalist mocked the rollout on social media, writing that there was “no way” such a feature in one of theworld’ss most trusted mapping platforms could be abused to spread misinformation.
The criticism centred on Google Earth’s reputation as a widely used source of visual evidence for journalists, researchers and investigators.
Google rolls back the feature
Just a day after its release, Google announced that it was removing the feature while it works on stronger safeguards.
“We’ve seen geospatial professionals using this feature for a range of useful purposes; however, we’ve also seen people sharing screenshots of generated imagery that appear to violate our policies,” the company said in a statement.
Google added that it was rolling back the feature in Google Earth while implementing stronger guardrails.
Although the criticism reflects growing concerns over AI-generated misinformation, manipulated images are already widely available through AI image generators offered by Google and many other technology companies.
Creating realistic but fabricated images no longer requires advanced photo-editing skills, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish authentic visuals from AI-generated content.
