Google Earth's Nano Banana 2 feature generates images of refugees near Mexico's border and a nuclear plant in Iran; Google says images carry a SynthID watermark (Henk van Ess/Digital Digging)
Google put a generative image tool inside a product people use to verify the real world.
Henk van Ess says he used one prompt in Google Earth’s Nano Banana 2 feature to create fake satellite-style scenes, including refugees near the Mexican border and a nuclear plant in Iran. Google told Techmeme every image made this way includes a SynthID digital watermark. The company also said users can check suspected images with Gemini or Lens, and that it blocks harmful topics while updating protections. Techmeme's note
Henk van Ess says he used one prompt in Google Earth’s Nano Banana 2 feature to create fake satellite-style scenes, including refugees near the Mexican border and a nuclear plant in Iran. Google told Techmeme every image made this way includes a SynthID digital watermark. The company also said users can check suspected images with Gemini or Lens, and that it blocks harmful topics while updating protections. Techmeme's note
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