Google suspends Google Earth AI image generation feature

Google has suspended a new AI-powered image generation feature within Google Earth just one day after its release. The tool, which utilized Nano Banana 2 to overlay generated images onto satellite maps, was intended to help educators and professionals visualize historical or contextual scenarios.

The feature was pulled following reports of misuse and the potential for creating convincing deepfakes. Experts and users demonstrated that the tool could be used to generate misleading imagery, such as placing non-existent nuclear power plants in Iran, depicting explosions in Gaza, or creating fake scenes of natural disasters.

While Google noted that generated maps were intended to be private and included digital watermarks, the ability for users to share screenshots posed a significant risk for spreading global misinformation and alarmism.