Alphabet Inc.’s Google announced Friday that it will roll back a new AI image generation feature in Google Earth. The tool has been pulled following backlash and significant concerns regarding the risks of disinformation.
The feature allowed users to generate fake AI-generated imagery and superimpose it over real Google Earth maps. Google decided to remove the tool after users shared altered satellite imagery that appeared to violate the company’s policies.
The move comes after furious researchers and open-source intelligence experts complained about the potential for misinformation. Some critics questioned the company's decision-making, asking, “What on earth is Google doing?” as fears over disinformation grew.