Google Earth Quickly Withdraws AI Feature That Created Fictional Satellite Images

Google Earth briefly introduced a feature that let users generate AI-modified satellite imagery using its Nano Banana 2 model, but pulled it after critics shared examples showing how it could be used for misinformation. The tool allowed anyone to create realistic-looking altered images of real places directly within Google Earth.

In a July 30 blog post, product manager Bryan Horowitz had promoted the tool as the first to combine Google Earth’s real-world imagery with Nano Banana. The rapid reversal highlights the risks of integrating generative AI into mapping platforms.