Google Earth quickly rolls back AI tool for creating fake satellite imagery after misuse
Google/DeepMind
Google briefly allowed users to generate AI-modified satellite images of real locations via Google Earth, using its Nano Banana image generator. The feature was retracted within a day after researchers and journalists highlighted potential for misinformation and disinformation. Google boasted the feature grounded custom images in real-world imagery.
Google briefly introduced a feature in Google Earth that let anyone create AI-modified versions of real satellite imagery using its Nano Banana 2 AI image generator, making it trivial to produce altered yet photorealistic pictures of real locations. The company promoted it as a way to generate custom images grounded in the real world, but researchers who rely on Google Earth for verifying photos and videos were alarmed, noting it could simplify creating false scenarios. Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins shared an AI-generated image of a giant golden statue of President Trump looming over the White House, sarcastically noting the potential for abuse. Within a day, Google announced on X that it was rolling back the feature, and it became inaccessible to users.
Source: Ars Technica —
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