Google has removed its Google Earth AI tool less than 24 hours after its launch, following concerns over fake images and misinformation. The feature, introduced on July 30 via the Google Earth web platform, used the company’s Nano Banana 2 model to generate AI images overlaid on real satellite imagery. Users could input prompts to create new scenes using satellite, aerial, and 3D mapping data.
The rapid rollback came after researchers and users shared screenshots of AI-generated images that appeared to violate Google’s policies. Open-source intelligence researchers highlighted how the tool could be used to create scenes involving sensitive locations, raising fears that fake satellite imagery could spread on social media.
Google stated, “We know that people uniquely trust Google Earth for a reliable view of the world. We’ve also seen people sharing screenshots of generated imagery that appear to violate our policies.” The company emphasized that the generated images did not alter the main Google Earth view and that each image carried a SynthID watermark to help identify synthetic content.
Despite these safeguards, experts warned that screenshots could still circulate misleading visuals online. Google now plans to strengthen its safety controls before deciding whether to restore the feature. This incident underscores the growing challenge for AI companies as they integrate generation tools into trusted platforms, where even a brief public test can quickly raise safety concerns.