Google pulls new AI feature within 24 hours after fake satellite images spark alarm

In a statement issued on X, Google said: "We know that people uniquely trust Google Earth for a reliable view of the world. 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."

" So we’re rolling back this feature in Google Earth while we work on implementing stronger guardrails. It's important to note that generated images didn’t appear in the main Google Earth experience for others to see and were watermarked as AI generated," the post added.

The now-pulled-down feature allowed people to  use text prompts to generate false scenarios on top of a base layer of real satellite, aerial or 3D imagery which could even be downloaded and shared on other platforms.

Experts told BBC Verify the tool could be used to spread misinformation with the appearance of Google's legitimacy - and highlighted the potential for bad actors to abuse it.

AI and misinformation expert Henk van Ess earlier shared the problems associated with the now-retracted feature through his multiple X posts where he displayed using the tool in creating fake images of a non-existent nuclear power plant in Iran, a refugee camp on the US-Mexico border and a fake hospital in Gaza with a bomb crater next to it.

After the feature was removed, he wrote: " Thank you internet. Thank you. Nano Banana 2 removed from Google Earth."

AI-detection researcher Henry Ajder told BBC Verify the creation of fake imagery in conflict zones could prove particularly "destabilising" when events are fast-moving and information is scarce.

"Journalists might be able to check that image… and report on it. But again, not everyone is going to do that," he added.