Google has pulled its Google Earth AI tool less than 24 hours after launch. The company launched the feature on July 30 through Google Earth’s web platform. It used Nano Banana 2 to create AI images over real satellite imagery. Users could enter prompts and generate new scenes using satellite, aerial, and 3D mapping data. Google removed the tool after researchers raised concerns about fake images and misinformation.
The rollback came after users shared screenshots of AI images that appeared to break Google’s policies. The company said stronger safety controls are needed before bringing the feature back. Google also said generated images did not change the main Google Earth view. Each image also carried an AI watermark to help identify synthetic content.
Google said, “We know that people uniquely trust Google Earth for a reliable view of the world.” The company added, “We’ve also seen people sharing screenshots of generated imagery that appear to violate our policies.”
The feature created concerns among open-source intelligence researchers who tested different prompts. Researcher Henk van Ess showed how users could create scenes involving sensitive locations. Such examples raised concerns about fake satellite imagery spreading across social media.
Google had added SynthID watermarks to images created through Nano Banana 2. The company said Gemini and Google Lens could help identify AI-generated images. However, experts warned that screenshots could still spread misleading visuals online.
The quick rollback highlights a growing challenge for AI companies adding generation tools. Google Earth carries strong public trust as a source of real-world imagery. Fake scenes placed over genuine locations could make online information harder to verify.
Google now plans to strengthen its safeguards before deciding whether to restore the feature. The move also shows how quickly AI products can face safety concerns after public testing.
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