Google Earth removes AI tool after fake satellite image backlash:‘Create Image’ lasted just a day after experts warned it could fuel misinformation

Google has removed its newly launched ‘Create Image’ feature from Google Earth after facing strong criticism from researchers, journalists, and open-source intelligence (OSINT) experts. The feature, powered by Google’s Nano Banana 2 AI image-generation model, allowed users to create AI-generated images based on Google Earth’s satellite, aerial, and 3D mapping data. While Google introduced the tool as a creative way to visualize places and ideas, experts quickly warned that it could be misused to generate convincing fake satellite images. Following the backlash, Google decided to roll back the feature and said it will return only after stronger safeguards are in place. What was the Google Earth AI feature? The feature, called ‘Create Image,’ was announced on Thursday and was integrated directly into Google Earth. It allowed users to zoom into any location and generate AI-created images within seconds using Google’s mapping and satellite data. According to Google, the tool was designed for creative uses such as: However, many experts argued that the same technology could also be used to create misleading or completely fake satellite images. Why did Google remove it? The biggest concern was that AI-generated satellite images could be mistaken for real ones. Researchers warned that fake visuals showing explosions, military bases, natural disasters, or damaged infrastructure could spread rapidly on social media before they are verified. Google acknowledged these concerns and confirmed that it has paused the feature. In a statement, the company said: 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. So we’re rolling back this feature in Google Earth while we work on implementing stronger guardrails. Google also added: We know that people uniquely trust Google Earth for a reliable view of the world. Also read: Planning to buy new smartphone? Top 5 launches in August:From Google’s flagship Pixel 11 phone to budget-friendly Poco M8 Power

Experts say the tool could spread misinformation Several digital investigation experts criticised the feature soon after it launched. Digital investigations expert Henk Van Ess wrote: Google spent 20 years building the reference the world checks against. Today it added a button that makes things up. Brady Africk, a satellite imagery researcher at the American Enterprise Institute, said the feature could make it much easier for fake satellite images to spread online. According to him: Such fakes erode public trust in satellite imagery, and make the jobs of journalists and researchers more difficult. AFP tested the tool, and the results were worrying Before Google removed the feature, AFP tested it with several prompts. The AI successfully generated realistic-looking satellite images showing events that never happened, including: Although these images were entirely fake, experts warned that visuals like these could easily be shared online without context and mislead millions of people. Google says images included AI watermarks Google pointed out that every AI-generated image contained SynthID, an invisible digital watermark added to content created using Google’s AI tools. The company also referred users to its AI policies, saying: We take misinformation seriously. However, critics argued that invisible watermarks alone are not enough because ordinary users cannot easily identify whether an image has been generated using AI. Why this matters Google Earth has long been considered one of the most trusted sources for satellite imagery. It is widely used by journalists, researchers, governments and fact-checkers to verify events happening around the world. Experts fear that introducing AI-generated imagery into such a trusted platform could blur the line between real and fake. Ross Burley, Executive Director of the Centre for Information Resilience, said: Trust in satellite imagery has taken decades to build and could be irrevocably damaged overnight. Meanwhile, the volunteer fact-checking group GeoConfirmed warned that users had already started experimenting with altering military locations and relabelling buildings to create misleading content. The group wrote: We are already observing individuals exploiting the new Google Earth web tool to make military positions, relabel buildings as schools, and experiment with manipulating the information environment. Also read: Samsung, Oppo and Realme phones will be expensive:RAM-chip prices to rise in the first week of August due to increased cost

Fake AI images have caused problems before This is not the first time AI-generated images have created confusion. In 2023, a fake AI image showing an explosion near the Pentagon briefly affected financial markets after it went viral online. More recently, during the conflict involving the US and Iran, an AI-generated satellite image falsely showing a destroyed US military base gained millions of views across social media platforms before being debunked. These incidents highlight how realistic AI-generated visuals can influence public opinion and spread false information within minutes.