In a significant shift, Google has discontinued its “What People Suggest” feature, designed to provide users with crowdsourced medical advice from individuals sharing similar health experiences. This decision highlights growing concerns over the company’s handling of health-related information through artificial intelligence, particularly following investigations revealing the potential risks associated with misleading health data.
Background of ‘What People Suggest’
Launched with great fanfare in March 2025 during an event dubbed “The Check Up,” “What People Suggest” aimed to utilise AI to collate insights from online discussions, making it easier for users to access peer-driven health advice. At the time, Karen DeSalvo, then Google’s Chief Health Officer, emphasised the importance of facilitating connections between users facing similar health challenges. She stated, “While people come to search to find reliable medical information from experts, they also value hearing from others who have similar experiences.”
Initially available on mobile in the US, the feature was positioned as a means to enhance health outcomes through community-driven insights. However, it has since been quietly phased out, with sources indicating that the feature has been effectively “killed off.”
Safety Concerns Prompted Withdrawal
The decision to scrap “What People Suggest” comes amid rising scrutiny over Google’s AI-generated health content. A January investigation by The Guardian highlighted instances where users were exposed to dangerous and misleading health information. The AI Overviews, which are seen by approximately two billion users monthly, had previously been linked to unreliable medical advice, prompting concerns from independent experts.
In response to the findings, Google initially attempted to downplay the situation, suggesting that the AI Overviews included links to credible sources and recommended that users consult healthcare professionals. However, the company later removed these AI-generated summaries for certain medical queries, indicating an acknowledgment of the potential risks involved.
Google’s Stance on Health Information
Despite the removal of “What People Suggest,” a Google spokesperson clarified that the feature’s discontinuation was part of a broader effort to simplify search results and was not directly related to safety concerns. The spokesperson asserted, “It had nothing to do with the quality or safety of the feature, and we continue to help people find reliable health information from a range of sources.”
The spokesperson’s comments raise questions about the transparency of Google’s health initiatives. When asked for specifics regarding the public communication of the feature’s discontinuation, the spokesperson referenced a blog post from November that did not mention “What People Suggest.”
Future Directions for Google’s Health Initiatives
Looking ahead, Google is set to hold another “The Check Up” event where it will showcase new AI research and innovations aimed at tackling pressing health challenges globally. Chief Health Officer Michael Howell is expected to lead discussions on how the company intends to refine its approach to health information in light of recent feedback and scrutiny.
Why it Matters
The discontinuation of “What People Suggest” underscores the challenges technology companies face when venturing into sensitive areas like health information. As they navigate public concern over the accuracy and safety of AI-generated content, it becomes increasingly vital for companies like Google to prioritise transparency and user safety. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and responsibility, particularly in an era where misinformation can have serious consequences for public health.
