Google's Gemini 2.0 Flash AI model has sparked controversy after users discovered it can effectively remove watermarks from copyrighted images, raising concerns about misuse and copyright violations.
Google recently expanded access to Gemini 2.0 Flash's image generation feature, allowing users to generate and edit images through its developer tools, as reported by Tech Crunch.
However, users quickly realized the AI could remove watermarks from stock photos and copyrighted images, including those from Getty Images. While other AI tools struggle with this task or refuse outright, Gemini 2.0 Flash appears to excel at it, according to users, filling in missing details seamlessly.
New skill unlocked: Gemini 2 Flash model is really awesome at removing watermarks in images! pic.twitter.com/6QIk0FlfCv
— Deedy (@deedydas) March 15, 2025
One user called described the tool as "really awesome at removing watermarks," while another said that the AI model "is amazing at editing images with simple text prompts. It also can remove watermarks from images."
Gemini 2.0 Flash, available in Google's AI studio, is amazing at editing images with simple text prompts.
— Tanay Jaipuria (@tanayj) March 16, 2025
It also can remove watermarks from images (and puts its own subtle watermark in instead 🤣) pic.twitter.com/ZnHTQJsT1Z
Currently, Gemini 2.0 Flash's image generation capabilities remain in an "experimental" phase and are restricted to Google's AI Studio and other developer tools. However, its ability to erase watermarks with ease has led to growing criticism from copyright holders.
In a statement to Tech Crunch, a Google spokesperson said, "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."
Competing AI models, such as OpenAI's GPT-4o and Anthropic's Claude 3.7 Sonnet, actively refuse to remove watermarks, citing ethical and legal concerns.
Legal experts warn that removing a watermark without permission is illegal under U.S. copyright law, with few exceptions.
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