New Google Earth AI tool could fuel misinformation, experts say
Google has introduced an AI tool within Google Earth that allows users to generate and overlay fake images onto real satellite data. Experts warn that this feature could be exploited to create convincing misinformation by leveraging the inherent credibility of Google's mapping platform.
Why it matters
The tool highlights the growing tension between AI innovation and the potential for bad actors to weaponize synthetic media to deceive the public.
By Merlyn Thomas and Paul Brown BBC Verify Published 35 minutes ago Google has launched a new AI tool which allows people to create fake images by superimposing almost anything on top of its own widely-used satellite imagery.
The tech giant has integrated its AI image generator Nano Banana 2 into Google Earth, enabling text prompts to generate false scenarios on top of a base layer of real satellite, aerial or 3D imagery - which can then be downloaded and shared on other platforms.
Experts have criticised the tool as a means to spread misinformation with the appearance of Google's legitimacy - and highlighted the potential for bad actors to abuse it.
A collapsed Eiffel Tower, a sinkhole swallowing the Great Pyramid of Giza and Russian tanks in Ukraine's capital were among the images BBC Verify was able to create when testing the feature, which was rolled out on Thursday.
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