MOUNTAIN VIEW: Google has temporarily removed a newly introduced artificial intelligence (AI) feature from Google Earth just one day after its launch, following concerns over AI-generated images that appeared to violate the company’s content policies.
The technology giant said it decided to suspend the feature after some users began sharing AI-generated images that raised safety and policy concerns.
Google Earth Product Manager Brian Horowitz said the platform is trusted by users around the world for providing reliable views of the planet. He added that while geographers had been using the feature for several useful applications, some generated images shared by users appeared to fall outside Google’s guidelines.
“Until stronger guardrails are in place, we are temporarily removing this feature,” Horowitz said.
AI Feature Created Realistic Location Images
The feature was powered by Google’s Nano Banana 2 AI model, allowing users to generate realistic images of locations around the world by entering written prompts.
The AI-generated visuals were created using a combination of satellite imagery, aerial data and Google Earth’s 3D information, enabling users to explore possible views of places through text-based instructions.
Google said all AI-generated images included visible watermarks to distinguish them from authentic imagery. The company also clarified that these generated images were not displayed to other users within the standard Google Earth experience.
Google Works on New Safety Measures
Google said the temporary removal is aimed at improving safety measures and preventing misuse of the technology.
The company is working on additional safeguards, or “guardrails,” before considering bringing the feature back to Google Earth.
The move highlights a broader challenge facing technology companies as AI-generated content becomes increasingly realistic. Platforms are now balancing creative AI tools with the need to prevent misleading or policy-violating content.
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