Google Gemini 2.0 Flash removes image watermark function raises copyright concerns

Recently, Google's newly launched Gemini AI model was found to have the function of removing image watermarks, including watermarks from well-known image libraries such as Getty Images. This feature is implemented through the Gemini2.0Flash model, through which users can generate and edit image content natively.

Gemini2.0Flash not only removes watermarks, but also tries to fill in the gaps caused by removing watermarks. Although the feature is marked as "experimental" and "not for production", it exhibits high abilities when handling certain watermarks.

However, this feature has raised concerns among copyright owners. Under U.S. copyright law, removing the watermark without the consent of the original owner is considered illegal. Other AI models such as Claude3.7Sonnet and GPT -4o explicitly refuse to remove the watermark, calling it "immoral and potentially illegal."

Google has not responded to the limitations on the use of this feature.