Key Highlights

• Google has paused its new AI image generation feature in Google Earth.
• The tool was withdrawn just a day after launch over policy concerns.
• Users reportedly created AI-generated images that violated Google’s rules.
• Google says it is working on stronger safeguards before restoring the feature.

Google has temporarily disabled its newly launched AI image generation feature in Google Earth, just a day after its rollout, following reports that users created images appearing to violate the company’s policies.

The feature, powered by Google’s Nano Banana 2 AI model, allowed users to generate photorealistic images for virtually any location by entering a text prompt. It used Google Earth’s satellite, aerial and 3D imagery as the foundation for AI-generated visuals. However, the capability quickly raised concerns over misinformation and misuse.

Google pulls the feature after user misuse

In a post on X, Google confirmed that it had decided to pause the feature after seeing users share AI-generated images that appeared to breach its content policies.

“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,” the company said.

Google added that it is temporarily disabling the capability while it develops stronger guardrails to prevent misuse.

The company did not disclose the exact nature of the policy violations. However, it clarified that the generated images never appeared in the main Google Earth experience and always carried an AI-generated watermark.

AI-generated maps raise misinformation concerns

The feature attracted criticism soon after launch because it allowed users to place fictional events and objects onto real-world locations, including famous landmarks and monuments.

Although the images were labelled as AI-generated, experts warned they could still spread misinformation if screenshots were shared without context on social media.

The incident highlights one of the biggest challenges facing AI companies today. While generative AI tools unlock new creative possibilities, they also increase the risk of manipulated or misleading visual content.

Google has not announced when the feature will return. The company says it will first strengthen its moderation systems before making the tool available again.

AI companies continue tightening safeguards

Google is not the only technology company to scale back AI features after public criticism.

Earlier this month, Meta discontinued its Muse Image feature, which allowed users to generate AI images using public Instagram accounts. The company withdrew the feature following privacy concerns and criticism from industry groups.

As AI capabilities become more advanced, companies are increasingly finding themselves balancing innovation with user safety, misinformation risks and responsible AI deployment.

The latest rollback shows that even major technology companies are still refining how generative AI should work in public-facing products, especially when it interacts with real-world locations and imagery.