For a day, anyone could create and spread fake Singapore satellite images. Then Google backtracked

Google has backtracked on a new feature that allowed users to generate AI-powered, hyper-realistic images of destruction within its Google Earth platform. For a single day, users could create scenes like fires at Gardens by the Bay or collapsed bridges in Singapore using simple text prompts.

The feature, initially framed by Google as a tool for imagination and planning, faced immediate backlash from experts in journalism, AI, and intelligence. They warned that the tool could significantly accelerate the creation and spread of disinformation. Open-source investigator Henk van Ess was among the first to highlight the potential harm, arguing the feature would do more damage than good.

While AI-generated fake images are not new, the integration into Google Earth, a platform trusted for its credible satellite imagery, was particularly concerning. Experts noted that this move transformed a reliable source into a potential tool for spreading convincing falsehoods. Google, acknowledging that users trusted Google Earth for accurate views, stated it was rolling back the feature to implement stronger "guardrails."

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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.