Google nixes its Earth AI feature one day after launch, amid criticism it would spread misinformation

Google rolled back a new Google Earth feature that let users place AI-generated images onto real satellite maps using Nano Banana 2. Critics warned the tool could make fabricated geographic scenes look credible, and Google said some shared screenshots appeared to violate its policies while it works on stronger guardrails.

The reversal shows how quickly consumer AI features can collide with trust-sensitive products like maps, where visuals are often treated as evidence. It also highlights a broader trend: platforms are under pressure to build misinformation controls before releasing generative tools, not after public backlash.