The report claims that the activists used artificial intelligence (AI) to edit these images.The AI-generated images reportedly showed the Danube and Austrian lakes dry and snow-free Alpine peaks, as if the images had been taken in 2070.
These images were uploaded to Google Maps by the Austrian activist group Letzte Generation (Latest generation), the report adds.
What Google Said About Images
Google said it removed the photos because they misrepresented a location.
“Our policies clearly prohibit content that is not based on a real experience or that does not accurately represent a location. We remove the photos in question that do not comply with our policy,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement to AFP.
What activists said about Google
The group said it was “not very surprised” by the company’s action.
“They ignore the climate catastrophe, just like the authorities and big companies in general,” said Marina Hagen-Canaval, spokesperson for Letzte Generation. said when talking about Google.
The group also noted that this wasn’t their first big break. Previously, she had published these photos on Google Maps to alert tourists. With this stunt, activists wanted to warn tourists who use the service to prepare their vacations of the risks of rising temperatures caused by climate change.
According to the report, Letzte Generation organized other protest actions. This includes blocking highways and also promised to take more measures, especially on the Internet.
Apart from this, Google Maps is reportedly planning to remove its “Followed Places” feature next year. After 2o25, users will no longer be able to see or track locations in the app. This feature helped users stay informed about and receive notifications about their favorite local businesses. These updates include changes to opening hours, special offers or new menu items.
