In a surprising turn of events, Google has decided to discontinue its controversial ‘What People Suggest’ feature, which aimed to provide users with crowdsourced health advice from individuals sharing similar experiences. Launched with much fanfare, the feature has now been quietly removed, as the tech giant faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of health-related AI information.
The Rise and Fall of ‘What People Suggest’
Originally unveiled in March 2025, ‘What People Suggest’ was designed to allow users seeking medical insights to tap into the experiences of their peers. Google touted this innovative feature as a transformative step towards improving health outcomes globally. Users looking for advice on conditions like arthritis, for instance, could find shared experiences and tips from others navigating the same challenges.
However, the feature was met with criticism and concern. A recent investigation by The Guardian highlighted how Google’s AI-generated health summaries, viewed by an astounding 2 billion users monthly, often contained misleading and potentially harmful information. This raised alarms among health experts regarding the safety and reliability of the advice being offered.
The Decision to Scrap the Feature
According to sources close to the matter, Google has officially confirmed the termination of ‘What People Suggest’. The decision is framed as part of a broader initiative to streamline the search results page. A representative from Google stated, “This feature was turned down months ago as part of a broader simplification of the search results page, which we shared publicly.” However, when pressed for specifics, the spokesperson directed inquiries to a blog post that failed to mention the feature at all.
The timing of this announcement comes just ahead of Google’s upcoming “The Check Up” event, where health experts at the company are expected to discuss ongoing efforts to improve the reliability of health information accessible through its platforms.
Previous Attempts to Address Concerns
The introduction of ‘What People Suggest’ was part of a wider strategy to enhance Google’s AI capabilities in the health domain. At its launch event, then Chief Health Officer Karen DeSalvo expressed the company’s commitment to providing both expert insights and user-generated content. DeSalvo wrote, “While people come to search to find reliable medical information from experts, they also value hearing from others who have similar experiences.”
Despite Google’s confidence in the feature, subsequent revelations regarding the risks associated with AI-generated health advice led to its swift decline. The backlash prompted the company to retract similar AI Overviews for certain medical queries shortly after their introduction, a move that further highlighted the contentious nature of its health-related AI initiatives.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Google Health?
As Google gears up for its next health event, anticipation is building around how the company plans to integrate new technologies and research to tackle pressing health issues. Chief Health Officer Michael Howell and his team are set to unveil fresh AI innovations aimed at enhancing the quality and safety of health information accessed by users.
The world will be watching closely to see how Google navigates the complexities of health technology, particularly in ensuring that the information provided is both accurate and beneficial.
Why it Matters
The withdrawal of the ‘What People Suggest’ feature underscores the delicate balance tech companies must maintain when offering health-related information. As they harness the power of AI, the imperative to prioritise user safety and accuracy cannot be overstated. This situation serves as a critical reminder that while technology can democratise access to information, it must do so with a commitment to reliability and responsibility. As Google moves forward, the lessons learned from this episode will be pivotal in shaping its approach to health information in the future.
