Google’s AI innovation, Gemini 2.0 Flash, raises legal and ethical concerns as users remove watermarks

Google’s latest AI innovation, Gemini 2.0 Flash, has raised legal and ethical concerns after users discovered it can remove watermarks from copyrighted images, media reports said.

The AI model, designed for image generation and editing, has been found to erase watermarks seamlessly – a feature that could be misused for unauthorized content distribution.

Legal experts warn that removing watermarks without consent directly violates copyright laws.

The discovery surfaced when users on social media demonstrated the AI’s ability to strip watermarks from stock images, including those from well-known media agencies.

While many AI tools allow image manipulation, Google’s model appears to have fewer safeguards than competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic, which have strict policies against such actions.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) makes it illegal to “intentionally remove or alter” copyright management information, including watermarks, to distribute unauthorized content.

Although Google has not explicitly marketed Gemini 2.0 Flash for watermark removal, its ability to do so highlights the ongoing challenges of AI governance, as companies struggle to balance innovation with legal and ethical responsibilities.

While controversy swirls around Gemini’s image-editing capabilities, Google is simultaneously phasing out Google Assistant in favour of Gemini, signalling a major shift in its AI strategy.

Google confirmed that Gemini will replace Assistant across Android smartphones, smart home devices, vehicles, and wearables.

The transition will be rolled out gradually, with Google discontinuing Assistant on most mobile devices later this year.

“AI companies have a responsibility to ensure their technology doesn’t enable the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material,” said a spokesperson from Getty Images.

“We will be assessing the impact of these AI tools and taking appropriate action if necessary.”

“Many people rely on Assistant for daily tasks. We need clarity on how Gemini will fully replace it without compromising user experience,” said an AI researcher at MIT’s Media Lab.