Google has withdrawn a new AI image generation feature in Google Earth just one day after its launch. Some users began using the feature to create fake satellite images depicting terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, and violence. This led to criticism on social media, raising concerns about the spread of misinformation. Google stated that the feature would be redeveloped with stronger security measures.

Google introduced the AI ​​image generation feature in Google Earth on July 30th. This feature allowed users to create new AI images based on satellite imagery available on Google Earth by providing text prompts. However, just a day after its launch, the company decided to withdraw the feature due to misuse by some users and growing criticism on social media.

According to reports, some users used the feature to create highly realistic-looking fake satellite images depicting terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, and violence and shared them on social media. This raised concerns that such images could be used to spread propaganda, misinformation, or mislead people about ongoing conflicts and natural disasters. The feature was based on Google’s Nano Banana 2 AI model, which gained widespread popularity upon its launch.

Google stated that people rely on Google Earth for a reliable view of the world. The company stated that many geospatial professionals were using the feature for good, but some AI-generated images were found to violate company policies. Therefore, the feature has been temporarily withdrawn and stronger security measures are being implemented. Google also clarified that the AI-generated images were not visible to other users as part of the official Google Earth experience, and that all AI images are watermarked.