|

Google’s new AI satellite image tool raises fears over fake visuals

ByJustpaste.in

Google has introduced a new artificial intelligence feature for Google Earth that allows users to create AI generated images using satellite, aerial and three dimensional mapping data. While the company says the tool is designed to support creative and practical uses, researchers and digital investigation experts have expressed concern that it could make it easier to produce convincing fake satellite images.

The new feature, called Create Image, was launched on Thursday and uses Google’s Nano Banana 2 image generation technology. It enables users to zoom into locations on Google Earth and generate realistic visualisations within seconds using existing mapping data.

Google said the tool is intended to help people visualise historical scenes, develop real estate plans and explore other creative projects. However, experts who specialise in verifying online content warn that the technology could be exploited to spread false information and manipulate public opinion.

Open source intelligence researchers say Google Earth has long been considered one of the most trusted resources for checking locations, analysing events and verifying images. They fear that adding AI generated content to the platform could blur the line between authentic satellite imagery and fabricated visuals.

Digital investigations expert Henk Van Ess criticised the update, arguing that Google spent years building public trust in its mapping service but has now introduced a feature capable of generating fictional scenes. He warned that even if an AI generated image is not perfect, it could still appear believable because it is linked to a platform widely regarded as reliable.

Brady Africk, a research analyst at the American Enterprise Institute who specialises in satellite image analysis, also raised concerns about the technology. He said the update makes it easier to create realistic fake satellite images that could spread rapidly on social media and mislead the public.

According to Africk, the growing availability of AI generated imagery could also weaken confidence in genuine satellite photographs. He warned that journalists, researchers and fact checkers may find it increasingly difficult to distinguish authentic images from manipulated ones, making investigations more challenging.

In response to the criticism, Google said all images created through the new feature include its SynthID digital watermark technology. The invisible watermark is embedded into AI generated content to help identify that it was produced using Google’s artificial intelligence tools.

The company also said users can ask its Gemini chatbot to check whether an image contains a SynthID watermark, providing an additional method for verifying AI generated content.

The launch comes as technology companies continue expanding the use of generative artificial intelligence across their products. At the same time, governments, researchers and technology experts are calling for stronger safeguards to prevent AI tools from being used to create misleading content or spread disinformation.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Just minutes of intense exercise may offer greater health benefits

    ByJustpaste.in

      A new study by American scientists has revealed that just a few minutes of extremely intense exercise may provide greater health benefits than spending hours doing light or moderate physical activity. The study examined how different levels of exercise affect proteins and biological processes in the human body. Researchers found that short bursts of high-intensity exercise produced significantly greater changes in health-related proteins in the blood compared with cycling at a normal pace. As part of the research, participants performed intense cycling on an exercise bike in 30-second bursts. Each high-speed cycling session was followed by a four-minute recovery period. Researchers observed positive changes in 714 proteins associated with health and bodily functions after the intense exercise. In comparison, cycling at a normal pace affected only seven proteins highlighting the potentially powerful biological response triggered by short periods of vigorous physical activity. One of the most interesting findings involved a molecule known as Lac-Phe, which has been linked to appetite regulation and metabolism. According to the researchers, intense exercise increases levels of Lac-Phe in the body. The molecule may help regulate hunger and appears to influence fat metabolism. The researchers also found that intense physical activity activated more than 1,600 genes in fat cells, potentially increasing the body’s ability to burn or process fat. These findings suggest that high-intensity exercise may trigger a much broader metabolic response than previously understood. To further examine the possible long-term health implications, the scientists analyzed data from more than 53,000 people. Their analysis showed that several of the proteins activated by intense exercise were associated with a lower risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. The researchers also found connections between these biological changes and processes related to aging. This suggests that intense physical activity may potentially help slow some of the biological effects associated with aging, although further research is needed to fully understand these relationships. Dr. Paul Cohen, the lead researcher of the study, said the findings were particularly interesting because they demonstrated how the body can produce a powerful positive response after only a few minutes of intense exercise. He noted that the discovery could be particularly useful for people with busy lifestyles who struggle to find enough time for lengthy workouts. Instead of spending several hours exercising, short periods of high-intensity activity may provide substantial biological benefits. The findings add to growing scientific evidence that the intensity of exercise may be just as important as its duration. While regular physical activity remains essential for maintaining overall health, the study suggests that brief periods of vigorous exercise could be an efficient way to stimulate important metabolic and cardiovascular responses. However, intense exercise is not necessarily suitable for everyone. People who are new to exercise or have existing health concerns should consider their fitness level and consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning high-intensity workouts. Overall, the study offers an encouraging message for people who find it difficult to dedicate long hours to exercise. A carefully structured routine involving short bursts of intense activity may potentially produce significant health benefits, making exercise more practical for people with demanding daily schedules.

  • | |

    KP CM directs comprehensive review of hospital saf…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah contacted the provincial Health Secretary and directed him to conduct a comprehensive review of security and safety arrangements at hospitals across the province. During the discussion, it was also decided to establish monitoring teams to inspect and assess safety measures at hospitals. The teams will be tasked with checking whether hospitals are adequately prepared to deal with emergencies and whether the required safety protocols are being properly implemented. According to sources in Peshawar, the monitoring teams will include officials from several departments, including Civil Defence, the Health Department, Rescue services, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and other relevant departments. The involvement of multiple departments is aimed at ensuring a coordinated assessment of hospital safety arrangements. Sources said the monitoring teams will particularly examine fire safety arrangements and other precautionary measures at hospitals. The teams will assess whether hospitals have adequate arrangements to prevent and respond to fire incidents and other emergencies. The move comes as the provincial government focuses on strengthening safety standards in healthcare facilities and ensuring that hospitals are properly equipped to deal with any untoward incident. The Health Department has also called a meeting to discuss safety arrangements at hospitals across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to sources, the meeting will review the preparations in place to deal with any untoward incident or emergency situation at healthcare facilities. Officials will also examine existing safety procedures and identify areas where improvements may be required. The meeting is expected to focus on ensuring that hospitals follow appropriate safety protocols and that relevant departments are prepared to respond quickly in case of an emergency. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Secretary Fayyaz Ali Shah said that standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be developed for all hospitals across the province. He stressed the importance of ensuring proper safety arrangements at healthcare facilities and said that negligence regarding fire safety measures would not be tolerated. The Health Secretary further made it clear that hospital administrations would be expected to comply with the safety requirements and take all necessary precautions to protect patients, attendants, doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. The provincial government’s decision to establish monitoring teams is expected to provide a mechanism for regularly assessing safety arrangements and identifying shortcomings at hospitals. The teams will inspect facilities and report on the condition of fire safety systems and other emergency preparedness measures. The inclusion of Civil Defence, Rescue, PDMA and other departments in the monitoring process is also intended to improve coordination between institutions responsible for emergency response and disaster management. The government has directed the Health Department to ensure that safety standards are implemented effectively across all hospitals in the province. The development of province-wide SOPs is expected to provide hospitals with clear guidelines regarding fire prevention, emergency preparedness and response procedures. Officials have reiterated that no negligence will be tolerated when it comes to fire safety arrangements in hospitals. The upcoming inspections and departmental meeting will help determine whether existing measures are sufficient and what additional steps may be required to improve safety. The initiative reflects the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure safer healthcare facilities throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

  • |

    US imposes tariffs and price floors on Chinese-dominated polysilicon supply chain

    ByJustpaste.in

    US President Donald Trump has signed a executive proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, introducing a 15 per cent tariff and minimum import price floors on products made from polysilicon. The critical raw material forms the foundational supply chain for both semiconductor chips and solar panels, a sector currently dominated by Chinese manufacturing. The executive action establishes clear import price thresholds across key processing stages. Under the new policy, raw polysilicon is set at a minimum price floor of $21 per kilogram, while polysilicon ingots and wafers are capped at a floor of $100 per kilogram. Solar cells face a minimum price of $0.22 per watt, and finished solar modules or panels carry a minimum threshold of $0.38 per watt. The order also directs the Commerce Department to establish targeted incentive programs for domestic companies investing in polysilicon production facilities. While semiconductor manufacturing accounts for roughly 2.4 per cent of global polysilicon demand, the material’s economic viability depends directly on the volume scale maintained by solar manufacturing. US solar manufacturers and polysilicon producers, including Corning, Hemlock Semiconductor, Wacker Chemie, First Solar, and Qcells, welcomed the strategic protections as essential for safeguarding domestic supply chains necessary for advanced computing and renewable energy. The new trade protections take effect on 4 December 2026, granting buyers a four-month window to adjust existing supply contracts before the higher price thresholds apply.

  • |

    World’s tallest bridge features 300-meter artificial waterfall

    ByJustpaste.in

    China has completed several remarkable engineering projects in recent years but the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge stands out as one of the most extraordinary. Often described as an engineering marvel, the bridge is not for the faint-hearted. Anyone with a fear of heights may find crossing it a nerve-racking experience. The bridge is situated 625 meters (2,051 feet) above the ground and was opened to the public in September 2025 making it the world’s tallest bridge. However, its height is not the only feature that makes it unique. The bridge also includes a spectacular artificial waterfall making it a major tourist attraction rather than just a transportation route. Chinese authorities designed the bridge as both an infrastructure project and a tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy glass walkways, cafes inside the bridge towers and adventure activities such as bungee jumping. The bridge’s most eye-catching attraction is its 300-meter-long artificial waterfall which creates a dramatic curtain of water. A laser lighting system has also been installed allowing the waterfall to put on a dazzling display at night. According to local authorities, thousands of tourists visit the site every day. The bridge gained further recognition when Time magazine ranked it as the No. 1 destination in its list of the World’s Greatest Places for 2026. Located in Guizhou Province in southwestern China, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge was primarily built to reduce travel time across the mountainous region. Guizhou’s rugged terrain previously made travel between many locations slow and difficult. Thanks to the new bridge, a journey that once took two hours can now be completed in about one minute. Constructed from 20,000 tons of steel roughly equivalent to the amount used in three Eiffel Towers, the bridge stretches 9,482 feet (about 2,890 meters) in length. Construction began in January 2022 and the bridge officially opened to the public in September 2025.

  • |

    Powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits western Colombia, killing at least 111

    ByJustpaste.in

    A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people and injuring dozens more in what authorities have confirmed is the country’s strongest earthquake of the 21st century. The massive tremor struck at a depth of 107 kilometres, with its epicentre located near Chocó. Despite occurring deep beneath the Earth’s crust, the intense seismic shock waves triggered widespread destruction across densely populated urban valleys throughout western Colombia and the primary coffee-growing regions. In Pereira, a four-story building collapsed into rubble, while video footage from Manizales captured the catastrophic collapse of one of the side towers of the city’s historic neo-Gothic cathedral. Severe building collapses and casualties were also reported in Cali, where local residents formed human chains alongside emergency responders to shovel away fallen concrete and pull survivors from trapped spaces. Thrusting the administration into its first major crisis just days after his inauguration, President Abelardo De La Espriella declared a national state of emergency. In a live television address, De La Espriella announced that all available state and military resources were being deployed to western Colombia, confirming that the national government’s immediate priority remains the location and rescue of victims trapped beneath collapsed structures. Severe regional communications outages initially delayed casualty reporting from rural zones near the epicentre in Chocó, where Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba confirmed at least 12 fatalities and scores of injuries. Meanwhile, Colombia’s civil aviation authority halted flight operations across key regional airports, including facilities in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, while structural engineers assess airfield and terminal safety. The Colombian Geological Service recorded over 20 aftershocks following the initial quake and warned that additional tremors remain likely. Sitting directly along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, western Colombia previously suffered a devastating magnitude 6.2 earthquake in 1999 that claimed more than 1,000 lives across the same region.

  • | | |

    PPP takes LA-15, PML-N wins LA-16

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have won one seat each in Bagh district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), according to unofficial and preliminary results. The results came after repolling was held at 23 polling stations in two constituencies. Voting was conducted on Saturday from 8am to 5pm. The repolling was ordered after voting could not take place at some polling stations during the earlier election process. In LA-16 Bagh, PML-N candidate Mir Akbar Khan emerged victorious. According to unofficial results from all 186 polling stations, he received 20,793 votes. His main rival, PPP candidate Qamar Zaman Khan, secured 16,964 votes. Akbar Khan defeated Qamar Zaman by 3,829 votes. The result gave the PML-N an important victory in the constituency. The party candidate maintained a clear lead after counting was completed at all polling stations. In the other constituency, LA-15 Bagh, the PPP secured victory. Its candidate Zia Qamar received 17,019 votes, according to unofficial results from all 213 polling stations. PML-N candidate Mushtaq Minhas stood second with 15,127 votes. Zia Qamar defeated Minhas by a margin of 1,892 votes. The two results mean that the PPP and PML-N have secured one constituency each in Bagh district. Repolling at the 23 polling stations continued for the full voting period. Voters were allowed to cast their ballots between 8am and 5pm. The polling stations had previously faced disruptions. In some areas, election material had not reached the polling stations on time. Voting was also suspended at some locations because of unrest and security concerns. The Election Commission arranged the fresh polling to complete the voting process at the affected stations. The exercise was conducted under heightened attention because of the importance of the two constituencies. The latest results are still unofficial and non-final. The relevant election authorities will formally verify the results before declaring the final outcome.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *