Google’s Gemini AI Sparks Controversy Over Watermark Removal

Social media users have highlighted a contentious feature in Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash model, which reportedly allows the removal of watermarks from images, including those belonging to prominent stock media providers like Getty Images.

No way this lasts…

Google Gemini 2.0 Flash can remove watermarks

6 wild examples: pic.twitter.com/lyoRRESlHr

— Min Choi (@minchoi) March 17, 2025

Unveiling Gemini 2.0 Flash’s Capabilities

Google recently expanded access to Gemini 2.0 Flash’s image generation feature, which can both create and edit image content natively. While the tool is labeled as “experimental” and “not for production use,” its ability to remove watermarks and seamlessly fill in gaps left by their deletion has drawn scrutiny.

Users on platforms such as X and Reddit have noted the model’s exceptional proficiency in this area, despite being free and still in development.

Goodbye Photoshop

It’s only been 2 days since Google dropped Gemini Flash Experimental, and people are going crazy over it.

13 wild examples so far (Don’t miss the 5th one) pic.twitter.com/tfIbh21RZ9

— Poonam Soni (@CodeByPoonam) March 15, 2025

Concerns Over Copyright Infringement

The lack of safeguards in Gemini 2.0 Flash has raised alarms among copyright holders, as removing watermarks without consent is deemed illegal under U.S. copyright law, with limited exceptions.

Competing AI tools, such as Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet and OpenAI’s GPT-4o, explicitly refuse to perform such actions, citing ethical and legal concerns.

Critics argue that Google’s tool could encourage misuse by those seeking to bypass copyright protections.

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Google’s Response to the Controversy

A Google spokesperson addressed the issue, stating, “Using Google’s generative AI tools to engage in copyright infringement is a violation of our terms of service. As with all experimental releases, we’re monitoring closely and listening for developer feedback.”

The company emphasises that permissions and terms of service must be upheld.

Limitations and Future Implications

Despite its capabilities, Gemini 2.0 Flash struggles with semi-transparent watermarks and those spanning large portions of images.

Currently available only through Google’s developer-focused AI Studio, the feature may still undergo refinements.

However, the controversy highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing AI innovation with ethical and legal considerations in content creation.