Google has removed its new Google Earth AI feature just one day after launch after users generated fake images showing disasters and damage on top of real satellite imagery.
The tool, unveiled on July 30, allowed users to create custom images using Google Earth's aerial, satellite, and 3D maps. Google promoted it for uses such as real estate presentations and educational projects.
However, users quickly discovered the AI would generate misleading scenes with few restrictions. Shared examples included the Eiffel Tower destroyed, the Great Pyramids of Giza swallowed by a sinkhole, a wildfire in Iran, and severe flooding in Washington, D.C.
Following criticism from researchers and media outlets, Google removed the feature on July 31.
In a statement, the company said professionals had found legitimate uses for the tool but acknowledged that some generated images appeared to violate its policies. Google said it is rolling the feature back while it develops stronger safeguards.
Google added that the AI-generated images never appeared in the standard Google Earth experience and were clearly labeled as AI-generated.