Google’s Gemini just dethroned ChatGPT — thanks to a new AI imaging feature. But Nano Banana is also raising privacy alarms.

Cupertino

The release of Open AI's ChatGPT has accelerated the development of artificial intelligence and warnings about its impact on society.

Rise of AI

Google's Nano Banana, powered by Gemini's AI, has surged in popularity as an easy-to-use image generator, allowing users to create or alter photos with simple prompts. Despite its appeal, concerns have arisen after users noticed personal details, such as birthmarks or tattoos, appearing in AI-generated images even when not visible in the original uploads. This has led to speculation about the app's data sources, though Google has not commented beyond its privacy policy, which states that images and prompts may be saved and used for future AI training.

Experts warn that the realistic images produced by Nano Banana can be exploited by cybercriminals for scams, identity theft, and extortion. Google claims to use invisible watermarks and metadata to mark AI-generated content, but these safeguards are not foolproof. Users are advised to manage privacy settings, avoid sharing sensitive images, and only download the app from verified sources to reduce risks.

Why everyone's talking about Google's Nano Banana

Check out the internet's latest obsession, Nano Banana. That's Gemini's new AI image generator, and it has helped dethrone chat GPT. Google's AI became the number one app on both app stores. Want to see yourself as an 80s pop icon? Or as a manga figurine? Just upload a selfie, type in what you want, and you'll get the result in seconds. Looks like harmless fun, but users have been unsettled by details in pictures, and there are serious risks of using AI image generators. Here's what you need to know. Some users report that birthmarks or tattoos showed in Nano Banana's AI-generated images, even though those details were not visible in the uploaded source photo. One viral case involved a mole that appeared even though it was covered in the original pic. That has led to speculation. Is the app pulling data from places like Google Photos or social media? Google hasn't commented on it so far, but its privacy policy does say your images and prompts are saved by default and might be used to train future AI models. Here's how to opt out. Visit this website, scroll down to Gemini Apps Activity, and switch it off. With that done, here's how to have fun with Nano Banana. Nano Banana is neither the first nor the most advanced AI image generator out there, but it is very easy to use, free as of now, and works smoothly on a smartphone. You can create images from scratch or upload a photo to AdSterf, alter it, or combine elements from two images. Behind the scenes, Gemini's AI uses smart tech such as large language models to understand your prompt, so-called diffusion models to create high-quality images, and face detection to match your features. The results can be so realistic, it's hard to tell they're AI made, and that's exactly where things get tricky. For cybercriminals, the app is a goldmine. Scammers use AI-generated profile pics for fake social media accounts, dating profiles, or business accounts. They're used in romance scams or investment fraud. Some use AI to create fake IDs, driver's licenses, or government badges. This can lead to identity theft. And yes, your face could be used in a crime. Scammers can also create fake but believable images of people in compromising situations. These are then used to extort money or damage someone's reputation. Google says it's keeping users safe with invisible watermarks and metadata tags marking content as AI-generated. But experts warn these can be removed or faked, and most users don't have the tools to check if an image is AI-generated. Here are some tips to stay safe with Nano Banana and on social media in general. Don't share images of children, your home, or ID cards. If misused, they can lead to identity theft, or worse. Photos often contain location tags, device info, and timestamps. Removing metadata helps protect your privacy. We've put some links in the description. Check them out. Authorities also warn about fake websites mimicking Gemini. These clones can steal your data or banking info, so always download from verified sources. That's it from me. Stay curious, stay safe. Bye-bye.

Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets lingered in NATO-member Estonia's airspace for several minutes on Friday, according to Estonian authorities. Italian F-35s responded.

Moscow

NATO defences triggered amid Russian airspace violation

Fellow comedians Jon Stewart and Jimmy Fallon mocked U.S. President Donald Trump Thursday after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled off the air on Wednesday by ABC following Federal Communications Commission pressure.

New York

Late-night hosts mock Trump as outrage over Kimmel grows

International sanctions imposed on Iran before the 2015 nuclear deal, could be reinstated within days. The United Nations Security Council has voted against lifting sanctions permanently, because of the country's nuclear programme.

Tehran

Middle East Conflict

Sanctions to hit Iran again after UN vote

Washington has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking - a claim he denies. In recent weeks, the US military has been building up its presence in the Caribbean. Venezuela has responded by holding military drills.

Caracas

Venezuela orders three-day drills amid U.S tensions

A Republican measure to keep the government funded until Nov. 21 stumbled in the Senate after clearing the House, leaving lawmakers without a clear path forward to avoid a funding lapse at the end of the month.

Washington

Government shutdown looms after GOP funding bill fails in Senate

In suburban Chicago, tensions boiled over as authorities unleashed tear gas and pepper balls to break up a crowd that was trying to block vehicles outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building.

Chicago

Tensions boil over as protesters clash with authorities outside Chicago ICE facility

Gunfire struck the building that houses the ABC 10 TV station in Sacramento on Friday afternoon. No one was injured.

Sacramento

Gunfire strikes Sacramento ABC TV station building

President Trump signed two executive orders at the White House on Friday night. The first established the Trump Gold Card as a path to U.S. citizenship for $1 million. The second adds a $100,000 fee for skilled worker visas called H-1B worker visas.

Trump signs $1M gold card visas, adds fee for skilled workers

With Jimmy Kimmel off the air for a third straight day, the fallout is growing. Film and TV writers protested outside ABC headquarters in New York, even as President Trump warned he may go after other networks next. Nancy Cordes reports.

Fallout grows after Jimmy Kimmel taken off air

President Trump on Thursday suggested that networks should have their licenses pulled for negative coverage of him. His comments come amid ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel over remarks about the Charlie Kirk shooting suspect.

Trump floats revoking TV licenses over negative coverage

State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, can hold more than 63,000 people, but on Sunday, police are anticipating more than 100,000 people will try to attend Charlie Kirk's memorial service.

Orem

Security preparations underway for Charlie Kirk memorial

Three Russian fighter planes flew into Estonian airspace, and NATO scrambled Italian, Swedish and Finnish aircraft to repel them. Russia last week sent drones into Romania and Poland, two other NATO members.

Ukraine Invasion

NATO scrambles jets to repel Russia incursions

Protesters are clashing with federal agents outside an ICE detention facility near Chicago. Video shows what appears to be tear gas being deployed and some physical altercations.

Video shows ICE protesters being dragged by agents near Chicago

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed agriculture, tech and trade during a call about potential deals on Friday (Sept. 19). Trump says he and Xi made progress on a TikTok deal.

Trump, Xi Jinping discuss trade, tech on latest call with China

An AI-generated government “minister” made its debut with an address in the Albanian parliament on Thursday (September 18), with Prime Minister Edi Rama presenting the bot as a symbol of his government’s push for transparency and innovation.

Tiranë

Albania unveils AI-generated 'minister'

A spokesperson for the Taliban Foreign Ministry said the couple "violated Afghan law" and were released from prison on Friday after a court hearing but didn't say what law they were alleged to have broken.

Kabul

Taliban releases British couple held for months in Afghanistan

Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets lingered in NATO-member Estonia's airspace for several minutes on Friday, according to Estonian authorities.

Tallinn

Russian fighter jets violated Estonia's airspace, authorities say

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a short-term spending bill to avert a government shutdown that would fund the government until Nov. 21. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.

House passes short-term spending bill to avert shutdown

ABC preempted Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely after U.S President Donald Trump's appointed Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr threatened action following Kimmel's comments surrounding the killing of Charlie Kirk. Now Trump is suggesting that networks that 'only give him bad press' should have their licenses suspended.

Trump suggests revoking licenses of networks that are ‘against' him

French President Emmanuel Macron tells "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan that France's decision to recognize a Palestinian state is necessary "to isolate Hamas" and help stop the war.

Paris

Macron: Recognizing Palestinian statehood necessary 'to isolate Hamas'

U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the suspension of talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel from the airwaves and said TV broadcasters should lose their licenses over negative coverage of his administration, adding fuel to a national debate over free speech.

Trump applauds comedian Jimmy Kimmel's suspension

A much-awaited announcement about a deal to keep Chinese-owned App TikTok online in the US is likely in the coming hours. It will be one of the main items on the agenda of a phone-call between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The two men will also discuss a standoff over trade tariffs.

Beijing

Xi, Trump set to discuss TikTok deal in Friday call

The US blocked a UN Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, drawing condemnation from members. Algeria’s UN ambassador Amar Bendjama apologized to Palestinians after the vote.

U.S. vetoes UN Gaza ceasefire resolution for sixth time

U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a joint news conference to conclude Trump’s state visit to the U.K. Trump acknowledged a disagreement with Starmer over Gaza and Palestinian statehood.

London

Trump, Starmer disagree over Palestinian state as visit wraps

A group of 22 young climate activists is suing the Trump administration in hopes of blocking three executive orders promoting the use of fossil fuels.

Missoula

Young climate activists sue Trump over fossil fuel orders

A CDC advisory panel voted to shift its guidance on immunising children under 4 with the combined measles, mumps, rubella, varicella vaccine. Instead of the combined shot, the advisory panel voted to recommend the age group get an MMR vaccine and a varicella vaccine separately.

Atlanta

CDC updates guidance on MMRV vaccine for young children

ABC confirmed that the popular late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has been "preempted indefinitely" following comments Kimmel made on the show in response to the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Trump admin under fire after ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel show

President Trump on Thursday addressed ABC's decision to pre-empt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" over comments Kimmel made about the shooting of Charlie Kirk. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.

Trump comments on Jimmy Kimmel being pulled off air

The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow the president to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady reports.

Trump asks Supreme Court to allow Lisa Cook firing

U.S. President Donald Trump signaled new action against left-wing groups following the assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, targeting the anti-fascist Antifa movement as a "terrorist organisation."

Why everyone's talking about Google's Nano Banana

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Rise of AI