Google Earth AI tool pulled over deepfake concerns

Google pulled its new AI image tool from Google Earth after backlash over deepfake and misinformation risks, citing policy violations and the need for stronger safeguards.

Google introduced an AI-powered image generation tool, Nano Banana 2, in Google Earth, allowing users to create artificial scenes over real satellite imagery using text prompts. The tool was promoted for uses such as visualizing historical events and planning real estate projects. However, within 24 hours, it faced strong criticism from journalists, researchers, and geospatial experts. Concerns focused on the tool’s potential to generate realistic deepfakes and spread misinformation, undermining trust in satellite data used for event verification. Fabricated images included fictional scenes like refugees at the Mexican border and disasters in major cities. Despite Google’s efforts to add digital watermarks and restrict certain topics, the tool remained vulnerable to misuse. Google quickly removed the feature, citing policy violations and the need for stronger safeguards. No timeline was given for its return, highlighting the challenges of balancing innovation with the risks of AI-generated content on trusted platforms.