Google’s new AI model, Gemini 2.0 Flash, has sparked controversy because it can remove watermarks from images.
Users on social media platforms have discovered that the model can effectively erase watermarks, including those from well-known stock media platforms like Getty Images. Last week, Google expanded access to Gemini 2.0 Flash’s image generation feature, which allows it to create and edit image content.
However, the new capability has shown minimal restrictions, enabling users to remove watermarks from existing photos with ease.
Get personal with @GeminiApp’s newest capability. ✨
Powered by our Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model, it can analyze your Search history with your permission to better understand interests and give more helpful answers. ? https://t.co/xNp1K6zFEw pic.twitter.com/J573MmaK5q
— Google DeepMind (@GoogleDeepMind) March 17, 2025
Several users have noted that Gemini 2.0 Flash not only removes watermarks but also fills in the gaps left by their removal. While other AI-powered tools offer similar functionalities, Gemini 2.0 Flash appears exceptionally proficient and free to use.
There was controversy over the way the big AI companies did image generation a year ago. Now Grok can make pictures of famous people, Gemini can remove people or watermarks from photos, etc.
Is it a shift in responsibility from firms to users? A lack of negative impact? Apathy?
— Ethan Mollick (@emollick) March 18, 2025
Despite its advanced capabilities, Gemini 2.0 Flash is officially labeled as “experimental” and “not for production use.” It is currently available only in Google’s developer-facing tools.
The model struggles with specific semi-transparent watermarks and those that cover large portions of images.
If you want to make images that are close to how you imagined, there are now excellent options like Gemini Multimodal (free), ideogram, flux. and Google Imogen, among others.
If you want to make something interesting and strange, nothing comes close to Midjourney and its srefs. pic.twitter.com/Aq82hw3BW8
— Ethan Mollick (@emollick) March 16, 2025
Google’s new AI sparks copyright concerns
Some AI companies, such as Anthropic and OpenAI, explicitly refuse to remove watermarks, calling it “unethical and potentially illegal.” Under U.S. copyright law, removing a watermark without the original owner’s consent is considered illegal. A Google spokesperson said, “Using Google’s generative AI tools to engage in copyright infringement violates our terms of service. As with all experimental releases, we monitor closely and listen for developer feedback.”
This new AI capability by Google’s Gemini model has sparked controversy and will likely attract further scrutiny from copyright holders and legal authorities.
ICYMI: it’s been an incredible week of shipping at @GoogleDeepMind:
? Native Image Generation for the Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental model: try it now on Google AI Studio https://t.co/3ioM7tihCG – it’s really cool
▶️ YouTube video link support in AI Studio & API: just paste a…— Demis Hassabis (@demishassabis) March 16, 2025
As technology advances, it remains crucial to balance innovation with ethical considerations to prevent misuse and protect intellectual property. Digital watermarks are commonly used by creators to protect their work, allowing potential buyers to preview the content before purchase. The ability of AI tools like Gemini 2.0 Flash to remove these watermarks undermines this protective measure and poses a significant threat to digital rights.
Google has been contacted for comment regarding these potential misuses of its technology and any plans to implement more robust protective measures.
Photo by; Markus Winkler on Pexels
