# Google Earth AI image tool withdrawn after backlash > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/google-earth-ai-image-tool-shutdown > Updated: 2026-08-08T18:30:47.000Z. Sources: 208. Developments: 5. Google launched the Nano Banana 2 “Create Image” AI feature in Google Earth on 30 July 2026, letting users generate photorealistic overlays on satellite, aerial and 3‑D map layers. Within hours researchers and open‑source intelligence experts demonstrated that the tool could fabricate nuclear facilities, graphic scenes of suffering in Gaza, a bomb crater in Los Angeles, protestors outside Google’s Mountain View campus, a fake nuclear plant in Iran and a simulated refugee camp on the US‑Mexico border. The images bore a SynthID watermark and were excluded from the main Google Earth experience, yet screenshots spread on social media. Citing policy violations and the risk of weaponising the technology for disinformation, Google disabled the feature on 31 July, less than 24 hours after launch, and announced a full rollback on 2 August while stronger guardrails are built. A company statement noted that geospatial professionals found the feature useful, but misuse forced a formal suspension on 3 August and warned that the tool could be abused to fabricate realistic images of nuclear sites, refugee camps and conflict zones. Experts highlighted that even watermarked AI‑generated images could be stripped and shared, undermining the credibility of geospatial data, and said the risk outweighed the benefits. The episode underscores ongoing challenges in policing user‑generated AI content in critical visual domains. ## Claims - Google introduced an AI image‑generation feature in Google Earth on July 30, 2024. (disputed by 19 sources) - Google removed/paused the feature on July 31, 2024 after policy‑violating content was shared. (disputed by 15 sources) - Google paused the AI image‑generation feature on July 31, 2026 because of policy‑violating content. (disputed by 6 sources) - Google launched the Nano Banana 2 AI image‑generation feature in Google Earth on July 30 2026. (disputed by 6 sources) - Google disabled the Nano Banana 2 feature on 31 July 2026, less than 24 hours after its launch. (corroborated by 26 sources) - Google cited policy violations and the risk of misinformation as reasons for the rollback. (corroborated by 26 sources) - Google launched the Nano Banana 2 image generation feature in Google Earth on 30 July 2026. (corroborated by 26 sources) - All AI‑generated images carry a SynthID digital watermark indicating they were created by the model. (corroborated by 25 sources) - Researchers Henk van Ess and Brady Africk warned that the tool could erode trust in Google Earth and spread disinformation. (corroborated by 25 sources) - Google integrated the Nano Banana 2 image generation model into the web version of Google Earth. (corroborated by 23 sources) - The feature let users generate photorealistic images over real satellite, aerial and 3D map data via text prompts. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Google plans to add stronger guardrails before re‑enabling the AI image feature. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Users created fake images of wars, disasters, nuclear plants and refugee camps that were shared as screenshots on social media. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The feature let users generate photorealistic images over satellite, aerial and 3D map data via text prompts. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The feature allows users to generate custom images on satellite, aerial and 3‑D data using natural‑language prompts. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The tool is available globally to all web users of Google Earth at no extra cost. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Users can create historical visualisations, such as a hyper‑realistic reconstruction of Pompeii in 78 AD. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The system uses Gemini to retrieve contextual information for generated infographics. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The tool is free to use and does not require a subscription. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Generated images are AI‑generated interpretations and may contain factual inaccuracies. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The feature lets users generate custom images on top of real satellite, aerial and 3‑D data by entering text prompts. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The tool is globally available to all web users of Google Earth at no extra cost. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The feature can create historical reconstructions, such as a hyper‑realistic view of Pompeii in 78 AD. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The feature can generate infographics for landmarks, for example the Statue of Liberty. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The feature can be used for urban‑planning and real‑estate visualisations, such as turning an empty lot into a commercial district. (corroborated by 19 sources) - AI‑generated images may contain factual inaccuracies and are not guaranteed to be historically accurate. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The feature is not available in Street View or mobile applications. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Google said generated images were not displayed in the main Google Earth experience. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Google will consider reinstating the feature after adding stronger guardrails, with no timeline provided. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Generated images carried an invisible SynthID digital watermark. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Google launched the Nano Banana 2 AI image‑generation feature in Google Earth on 30 July 2026. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Google rolled back the feature on 31 July 2026, citing policy violations and the need for stronger guardrails. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Google said the generated images did not appear in the main Google Earth experience. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The feature allowed users to generate photorealistic images over satellite, aerial and 3‑D map data via text prompts. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Researchers demonstrated the tool could create fake images of a blast crater in Los Angeles, a flooded U.S. Capitol, a nuclear plant in Iran, and other fictitious events. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Within hours of launch, users created fake images depicting wars, disasters, nuclear plants and refugee camps. (corroborated by 14 sources) - All AI‑generated images carried a SynthID digital watermark indicating they were created by the model. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Researchers Henk van Ess and Brady Africk warned that the tool could be used to spread disinformation. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Examples of fabricated images included a crater in Los Angeles and protestors placed outside Google’s Mountain View campus. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Users created fake images of disasters, war zones, nuclear plants and refugee camps that were shared as screenshots on social media. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Google launched the “create image” AI feature in Google Earth on July 30 2026. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The feature let users generate photorealistic images over satellite, aerial and 3‑D imagery via text prompts. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Researchers demonstrated the tool could create fake images such as a blast crater in Los Angeles, a flooded U.S. Capitol, refugees at the Mexican border and a nuclear plant in Iran. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Google removed the feature on July 31 2026, less than 24 hours after launch. (corroborated by 7 sources) - All images generated by the tool carried an invisible SynthID digital watermark indicating they were AI‑generated. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Google said it would reinstate the feature only after adding stronger guardrails, with no timeline provided. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Google launched an AI image‑generation feature in Google Earth on 30 July 2026 using the Nano Banana 2 model. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Google Earth has integrated the Nano Banana 2 AI model to generate images from geospatial data. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The feature is available globally via the web version of Google Earth. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Users can create photorealistic renderings of locations by entering text prompts. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The system can reconstruct historical sites such as Pompeii as they appeared in 78 AD. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The tool can be used for urban planning, real‑estate visualization, and educational infographics. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Generated images are not verified data and should be used with caution. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The rollout may be progressive and the new button may not appear for every user immediately. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Gemini retrieves contextual data that informs the image generation process. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Google Earth integrated Nano Banana 2 AI model to generate images from geospatial data. (corroborated by 6 sources) - All AI‑generated images included a digital watermark called SynthID. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Google launched an AI image‑generation feature called Nano Banana 2 in Google Earth on July 30, 2026. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The feature allowed users to generate photorealistic images over satellite, aerial and 3‑D imagery via text prompts. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Open‑source researcher Henk van Ess reported the tool did not block requests for sensitive content such as refugees at the Mexican border or a nuclear plant in Iran. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Google launched an AI image‑generation feature in Google Earth on 30 July 2026, powered by the Nano Banana 2 model. (corroborated by 6 sources) - All images generated by the tool carried an invisible SynthID digital watermark indicating AI origin. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Google paused the AI image‑generation feature on 31 July 2026 after users shared content that appeared to violate its policies. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Google integrated the Nano Banana 2 AI model into Google Earth as a “create image” feature. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Researchers demonstrated the tool could create deepfake images such as refugee camps on the US‑Mexico border, a bomb crater in Gaza, and a nuclear plant in Iran. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The feature used the Nano Banana 2 AI model to generate images from text prompts over satellite, aerial and 3‑D imagery. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Critics warned the tool could be misused to spread misinformation, citing examples such as refugees at the Mexican border and a bomb crater near a Gaza hospital. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Google removed (paused) the feature on 31 July 2026 after users shared images that appeared to violate its policies. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Google said it will reinstate the tool only after adding stronger guardrails, with no timeline provided. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The feature launched on July 30, 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The tool let users generate AI images over satellite, aerial and 3‑D imagery using text prompts. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Generated images included a SynthID digital watermark. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Google said it would implement stronger guardrails before reinstating the tool. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The feature was globally available via the web version of Google Earth. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Researchers demonstrated the tool could create images of a refugee camp at the US‑Mexico border, a bomb crater in Gaza, and a nuclear plant in Iran. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Henk van Ess reported that the tool did not refuse harmful prompts, generating images such as a refugee camp at the US‑Mexico border, a bomb crater in Gaza, and a nuclear plant in Iran. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The tool let users generate images on any location by entering text prompts. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Google withdrew the feature due to policy violations and concerns about misinformation. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Google’s spokesperson said geospatial professionals used the feature for useful purposes, but some users shared screenshots that appeared to violate policies. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Google launched the Nano Banana 2 AI image‑generation feature in Google Earth on 30 July 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Google paused the feature on 31 July 2026 after policy‑violating content was shared. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The tool allowed users to generate photorealistic images over satellite, aerial and 3‑D imagery via text prompts. (corroborated by 4 sources) - All images generated by the feature carried an invisible SynthID digital watermark. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Researchers demonstrated that the tool could create fake images of a blast crater in Los Angeles, a flooded U.S. Capitol and a nuclear plant in Iran. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Researcher Henk van Ess reported that the tool could generate images of refugees at the Mexican border and a nuclear plant in Iran without restriction. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Google launched a new AI feature in Google Earth on July 30 2026 that lets users generate images over satellite, aerial and 3‑D imagery using text prompts. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Google withdrew the AI tool for editing satellite images in Google Earth. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The tool was called Nano Banana 2 and allowed users to generate realistic images from satellite, aerial and 3‑D data. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Experts warned the AI tool could be used to create realistic geo‑spatial disinformation. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Google will develop stricter security measures for the feature. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Critics warned the tool could be misused for disinformation, exposing sensitive locations and eroding trust in satellite imagery. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Open‑source researcher Henk van Ess reported that the tool did not block requests for sensitive content such as refugees at the Mexican border or a nuclear plant in Iran. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The feature is currently not available in Street View or mobile applications. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Google integrated its AI model Nano Banana 2 into the web version of Google Earth. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Nano Banana 2 can generate images using satellite, aerial, and 3D imagery from Google Earth based on user text prompts. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The feature allows users to visualize historic reconstructions such as Pompeii in 78 AD. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The tool is globally available to all users of the Google Earth web version. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Nano Banana 2 is a proprietary AI model developed by Google. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Google launched a new feature on Google Earth that lets users create AI‑generated satellite images via text prompts. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Critics warned that the AI feature could be abused to create deep‑fake satellite imagery and spread disinformation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Generated images did not appear in the main Google Earth experience for other users. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The rollout sparked concerns that the tool could be misused for disinformation, potentially eroding public trust in satellite imagery. (corroborated by 3 sources) - All AI‑generated images included a SynthID digital watermark. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The tool could generate images of a refugee camp at the US‑Mexico border, a bomb crater in Gaza, and a nuclear plant in Iran. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Researcher Henk van Ess warned that the tool could be misused to create deep‑fake satellite images. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Google paused the Nano Banana 2 feature on July 31 2026 after users shared images that violated its policies. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Researchers showed the tool could create fake images of a blast crater in Los Angeles, a flooded U.S. Capitol, a nuclear plant in Iran, and refugees at the Mexican border. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Google said generated images did not appear in the main Google Earth experience. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Examples of fake images include a crater in Los Angeles, protestors at Google’s Mountain View campus, a fabricated nuclear plant in Iran, and a refugee camp on the US‑Mexico border. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Users can create infographics of landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty using the tool. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The feature can be used for professional purposes like real‑estate planning and architectural visualization. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Google announced the Nano Banana 2 integration in late July 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - NPR generated an AI image showing multiple fires on Iran's Kharg Island using the new Google Earth feature. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Researchers demonstrated that the tool could generate images of refugees at the Mexican border, a nuclear plant in Iran, a crash in Amsterdam, and a hospital with a bomb crater in Gaza. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Henk van Ess warned about the potential for misuse of the AI satellite image tool. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Generated images never appeared in the main Google Earth experience for other users. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The tool was promoted for educational, urban‑planning and historic‑reconstruction uses. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The AI feature was only available via the Google Earth web version, not the native app. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Google suspended the AI‑generated imagery feature in Google Earth. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Researchers showed the tool could create fabricated images of nuclear facilities, refugee camps and conflict zones. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The AI feature is not yet integrated into the native Google Earth app; users must use the web version and capture screenshots. (single source) - The European Commission fined Google 890 million euros for violations of EU digital markets law. (single source) - Victor Montagliani is president of CONCACAF. (single source) - Victor Montagliani is considering a FIFA presidential candidacy, with a nomination deadline of 18 November. (single source) - The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for 18 March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco. (single source) - UEFA may support a challenger if Infantino does not withdraw his candidacy. (single source) - Potential FIFA presidential challengers include Aleksander Ceferin and Nasser Al‑Khelaifi. (single source) - Infantino’s FIFA Forward Enterprise plan involved investment from Thrive Capital, led by Joshua Kushner. (single source) - Infantino could be removed via a vote of no confidence, an ethics committee sanction, or loss in the presidential election. (single source) - 20 % of FIFA’s 211 member federations (43 federations) can call an extraordinary congress within three months. (single source) - The feature allowed users to generate AI images over real locations via text prompts. (single source) - The AI model powering the feature is Google’s Gemini, integrated as Nano Banana 2. (single source) - The feature was launched on Thursday before being suspended. (single source) - Google said the generated content violated its policies. (single source) - The tool was intended for educational, planning and creative uses. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-08: Google suspends Google Earth AI image generation feature Google suspended its Google Earth AI image generation feature after only one day due to risks of deepfakes and misinformation following reports of users generating deceptive geographic imagery. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-suspends-ai-image-generation-in-google-earth ### 2026-08-06: Google Earth disables AI imaging feature over misinformation risk Google temporarily disabled an AI imaging tool in Google Earth after experts showed it could create realistic fake satellite images of sensitive sites, raising misinformation concerns. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-earth-disables-ai-imaging-feature-over-misinformation-risk ### 2026-08-02: Google Earth AI image tool rolled back after one day over disinformation Google launched the Nano Banana 2 AI image generator in Google Earth on 30 July 2026, but after users created realistic fake disaster and conflict scenes, the company disabled the feature on 31 July, citing dis 39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-earth-ai-image-tool-withdrawn-after-fake-satellite-screenshots-spark-concerns ### 2026-07-31: Google pauses AI image tool in Earth after disinformation backlash Google launched the Nano Banana 2 AI tool in Earth on 30 July 2026, but after fake images sparked disinformation concerns, it paused the feature on 31 July, citing policy violations and promising stronger guard 121 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-pulls-ai-image-tool-from-earth-over-disinformation-risk ### 2026-07-29: Google Earth AI image feature removed after one day over misinformation concerns Google launched an AI image tool in Google Earth on July 30 2026, but shut it down on July 31 2026 after researchers warned it could create deep‑fake satellite images, citing misuse risks. 51 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-adds-aigenerated-imaging-to-google-earth-platform --- Cite as: Google Earth AI image tool withdrawn after backlash. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/google-earth-ai-image-tool-shutdown