Here’s the problem with putting an AI image generator in Google Earth
The Verge Stevie Bonifield ● Covered by 6 sources
Google Earth now includes Nano Banana, an AI image generator that creates synthetic satellite and aerial imagery from text prompts, enabling users to generate realistic-looking but fabricated scenes of real locations. The generated images carry SynthID digital watermarks and can be verified through Google's Gemini app or Lens Search, though examples show it has already been used to create misinformation depicting refugees and bombing scenes. This integration makes it easier for users to generate convincing false imagery tied to actual geographic locations, raising concerns about potential misuse for disinformation despite Google's verification tools.
Why it matters
Now a text prompt is all it takes to generate reality-warping images using Google Earth's satellite, aerial, and 3D imagery, like these images generated by Digital Digging's Henk van Ess that show "refugees near the Mexican border" and a bomb crater near a hospital in Gaza. Google responded to Digital Digging's AI-altered images, saying, "We […]
Also covered by
- Ars Technica — Google Earth risked ruin with retracted AI tool for making fake satellite pics
- TechCrunch AI — Google nixes its Earth AI feature one day after launch, amid criticism it would spread misinformation
- 404 Media — Google Earth’s New AI Lets Anyone Fabricate Completely Bullshit Satellite Images
- The Verge — Google Earth’s AI deepfake tool only lasted one day
- Ars Technica — Google's SynthID watermark is hard to break, but it doesn't solve AI misinformation
