(UK, 2nd) Google has paused its Google Earth artificial intelligence (AI) image generation feature less than 48 hours after launch, in order to strengthen security protections. Experts had previously warned that this tool could overlay fictional scenes on real satellite images, making it easy to spread false information.
According to a BBC report, the new feature integrated Google's image generator Nano Banana 2 into Google Earth. Users only needed to enter a text prompt to generate fictional scenes on real satellite images, aerial images, or 3D maps, and could then download and share them on other platforms.
When tested by the BBC’s verification team, they successfully generated fake images of the Eiffel Tower collapsing, a giant sinkhole swallowing the Egyptian pyramids, and Russian tanks appearing in Kyiv.
Experts pointed out that when fictional content is combined with real geographic coordinates and Google Maps base maps, it is easy to mistake these images as coming from reliable satellite data. During periods of confusion such as war and disasters, these types of images are especially likely to mislead journalists and the public.
Google stated that AI-generated images contain invisible watermarks, and users can verify them via Gemini or Google Lens. However, BBC testing found that some verification mechanisms could be bypassed, and external detection tools sometimes failed to identify fake images.
Google indicated that, given the public’s high level of trust in Google Earth, it will suspend this feature until enhanced protective measures are in place.