Google pulls AI image feature from Earth after misinformation backlash

The feature, introduced on Thursday, allowed users to employ Nano Banana 2, Google's AI image generator, to create fabricated images and superimpose them onto real satellite maps in Google Earth. The company described the function as a way to get creative with geography, but critics quickly flagged its potential for abuse.

Journalists and researchers pointed out that Google Earth is considered one of the most reliable sources of visual evidence, raising concerns that the tool could be used to generate and spread deceptive geospatial imagery. A BBC journalist posted sarcastically on Thursday that there was "no way" the feature could be abused to spread misinformation online.

By Friday, Google had scrapped the feature. "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," the company said in a statement. "We're rolling back this feature in Google Earth while we work on implementing stronger guardrails."