On Thursday, Google introduced a new feature that enabled users to utilize Nano Banana 2, an AI image generator, to produce artificial images within its satellite imagery mapping application, Google Earth. According to Google, the aim of this feature was to encourage creative exploration of geography.
However, critics were quick to highlight potential misuse of the tool to fabricate and disseminate misinformation. The tool, which relied on prompts and permitted almost any image to be layered over actual maps, was seen as potentially leading to a flood of misleading geospatial content.
A BBC journalist sarcastically remarked on Thursday, “There’s no way that this new AI image generation feature on Google Earth, one of the most reliable sources of visual evidence for journalists and researchers, could possibly be abused to spread misinformation online.”
Just a day after launching the feature, Google has decided to withdraw it.
In a statement, the company explained, “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.”
Google further stated, “We’re rolling back this feature in Google Earth while we work on implementing stronger guardrails.”
While criticism of Google’s tool is understandable, it is worth noting that in the era of AI, most images online can be easily altered. Creating semi-believable disinformation no longer requires advanced skills in Photoshop; access to an AI image generator, such as those offered by Google and many other AI companies, suffices.
