Google rolls back the needless AI generation tools it added to Google Earth

Google has announced it will remove a feature that allowed users to generate images within Google Earth, following reports that the tool was being used to create misleading satellite imagery. The move comes just a day after the feature was introduced on July 30. Google maintains that its users trust Google Earth for reliable views of the world, and has seen geospatial professionals use the feature for legitimate purposes.

However, the company also acknowledges instances where users shared screenshots of generated imagery that appeared to violate its policies.

404 Media demonstrated how easy it was to use the tool to produce misleading satellite imagery, including an image of a blast crater in Los Angeles and another featuring protestors outside of Google’s Mountain View, California campus. Despite these concerns, the company initially downplayed the misinformation risks, stating that the Nano Banana tool included a digital watermark, SynthID, which could help identify AI-generated images. Users could then verify the authenticity of images using the Gemini app or Lens in Search.

However, Google’s own statement on the matter has been criticized, with one expert arguing that the watermark is ineffective in combating misinformation. Google has since reaffirmed the presence of the watermark but plans to implement stronger guardrails before reintroducing the image generation feature in Google Earth.