Google retracts AI tool for creating fake satellite images in Google Earth

Google briefly allowed anyone to create AI-modified versions of satellite imagery available in Google Earth before quickly reversing its decision as people shared examples of AI-generated pictures illustrating potential misinformation and disinformation. Many generative AI tools already allow users to create AI-modified images of real buildings and cities based on prompts. Google's aborted attempt to incorporate its Nano Banana 2 AI image generator as a Google Earth feature made it easier to create modified versions of authentic imagery depicting real locations, a feature Google initially promoted. Bryan Horowitz, product manager for Google Earth, wrote in a company blog post on July 30 that for the first time, users could generate custom images using Google Earth's satellite, aerial, and 3D imagery alongside Nano Banana, which creates concepts grounded in the real world. The feature was swiftly retracted due to concerns over misinformation.