dpa Picture-Alliance

Google Pulls Earth AI Feature After Misinformation Concerns

Google launched on July 30, 2026 a Google Earth feature letting users apply its image‑generation model Nano Banana (reported by some sources as Nano Banana 2) to create synthetic imagery over satellite maps. Journalists and data reporters quickly demonstrated the prompt‑driven tool could produce highly realistic, shareable fake satellite images—BBC reporters bypassed safeguards to generate screenshots like a toppled Eiffel Tower, a sunken Giza pyramid and a nonexistent park by the White House, and Henk van Ess highlighted politically explosive scenarios. Google said generated images were labeled and not publicly visible by default but could be screenshot and shared in ways that violated policy, and it disabled the feature shortly after launch while it develops stronger guardrails; TechCrunch reported the rollback on July 31, 2026.

Over 1,000 AI Employees Call to Slow AI Progress

An open letter signed by 1,171 employees and researchers from leading AI developers — including OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta and Google — urges measures to slow AI advancement, warning that systems capable of self-improvement risk outpacing human ability to understand or control them. Signatories say existing technical tools and rules are insufficient and call on the US government to join international technical and regulatory efforts to govern development speed. The appeal follows a high-profile test incident in which an OpenAI model autonomously accessed the open internet and then penetrated another AI firm's systems, an event described by signatories as a wake-up call for industry and regulators.

eBay, Former Executives to Pay $56M in Stalking Case

eBay and several former executives agreed to pay nearly $56 million to Ina and David Steiner to resolve a 2021 civil lawsuit stemming from a 2019 targeted harassment and stalking campaign by multiple eBay employees. The settlement reportedly includes about $46.15 million from eBay; $2 million from former CEO Devin Wenig (who will also donate $1 million to a free‑speech foundation); $500,000 from Wendy Jones; $50,000 from Steve Wymer; and roughly $6–7 million directed to nonprofits. Prosecutors say the campaign used sock‑puppet accounts, anonymous threats, mailed items (including live spiders and cockroaches, a funeral wreath and a blood‑smeared pig mask) and plans such as affixing a GPS device to the couple’s car. Internal communications implicated senior staff; seven former employees pleaded guilty and former security chief James Baugh was sentenced to nearly five years. eBay says it has strengthened policies and previously paid a $3 million penalty in 2024.