While Google hasn't explicitly stated that AI-generated images directly penalize rankings, their impact is primarily judged by the quality and relevance they bring to the content. Google's algorithms prioritize the overall user experience, E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), and the helpfulness of a page, regardless of whether images are human or AI-generated. If AI images are generic, irrelevant, or misleading, they can detract from content value, potentially leading to lower rankings indirectly. Conversely, high-quality, contextually relevant AI images that enhance understanding or engagement are unlikely to harm rankings and could even improve them by enriching the user experience. The focus should always be on providing valuable, unique, and accessible visuals that serve the user's intent, rather than the generation method itself. More details: https://info-center.top