Google rolls back AI Earth feature over policy issues

Anabelle Colaco
04 Aug 2026, 10:41 GMT+10

Google has paused a newly launched AI image-generation feature in Google Earth after users created images that appeared to violate the company's content policies, just a day after the tool was introduced
The feature, powered by Google's Nano Banana 2 AI model, allowed users to generate photorealistic images based on Google Earth's satellite, aerial and 3D imagery by entering a text prompt for virtually any location in the world
The tool quickly drew criticism over its potential to spread misinformation because it enabled users to create fake scenarios using real-world images of landmarks and monuments

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA: Google has paused a newly launched AI image-generation feature in Google Earth after users created images that appeared to violate the company's content policies, just a day after the tool was introduced.

The feature, powered by Google's Nano Banana 2 AI model, allowed users to generate photorealistic images based on Google Earth's satellite, aerial and 3D imagery by entering a text prompt for virtually any location in the world.

The tool quickly drew criticism over its potential to spread misinformation because it enabled users to create fake scenarios using real-world images of landmarks and monuments.

"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," Google said on X, adding that it was pausing the capability while it works on stronger guardrails.

Google did not specify what types of images violated its policies. The company said the generated images did not appear in the main Google Earth experience and were watermarked as AI-generated.

The rollback highlights the challenges technology companies face as they rapidly integrate generative AI into consumer products while trying to limit misuse, misinformation and policy violations.

Earlier this month, Meta discontinued Muse Image, an AI feature that allowed users to generate images using public Instagram accounts, after drawing widespread criticism over privacy concerns, including from a Hollywood union.