Google rolls back AI image generation feature in Google Earth after one day

Google has quickly withdrawn a newly launched artificial intelligence feature in Google Earth that allowed users to create photorealistic images of any location. The tool, introduced just one day prior, was pulled after users began sharing screenshots of generated imagery that seemingly breached Google's policies.

Bryan Horowitz, Product Manager for Google Earth, stated that while the feature had potential uses for geospatial professionals, the company observed the sharing of images that violated their guidelines. "We're rolling back this feature in Google Earth while we work on implementing stronger guardrails," Horowitz explained in an update.

The feature utilized Google's Nano Banana 2 AI model to generate images based on text prompts, using existing satellite, aerial, and 3D data. Google emphasized that these AI-produced images were watermarked and did not appear in the main Google Earth interface for others to see. The company has not specified which types of images led to the policy violations.

This rollback mirrors a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies rapidly integrate AI tools only to retract or modify them following misuse or public backlash. Meta, for instance, recently discontinued its Muse Image feature after privacy concerns arose regarding its use of public Instagram accounts.

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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. So we're rolling back this feature in Google Earth while we work on implementing stronger guardrails.