In a surprising move, Google has decided to discontinue its controversial “What People Suggest” feature, which aimed to offer users crowdsourced health tips from individuals sharing similar experiences. Launched with the promise of revolutionising health information access, this initiative has now been quietly removed, signalling a significant shift in how the tech giant approaches health-related queries amid increasing scrutiny over its AI practices.
The Rise and Fall of “What People Suggest”
Originally unveiled during a high-profile event in March 2025, “What People Suggest” was designed to curate insights from users who had faced similar medical conditions. Karen DeSalvo, then Google’s chief health officer, emphasised the value of personal experiences, stating, “While people come to search to find reliable medical information from experts, they also value hearing from others who have similar experiences.” This feature aimed to connect those dealing with conditions like arthritis with practical advice from fellow sufferers.
However, just over a year after its debut, the feature has been removed from Google’s mobile search in the United States. Sources close to the decision revealed that the feature, once hailed for its potential, has now been deemed unnecessary, with one insider bluntly stating, “It’s dead.”
Concerns Over Health Advice Quality
The discontinuation of “What People Suggest” comes amidst growing concerns regarding the reliability of health information provided by AI systems. A recent investigation highlighted that users were at risk of encountering misleading or inaccurate health advice through Google’s AI-generated summaries. With these summaries reaching billions of users monthly, the stakes are undeniably high.
In January, findings from the Guardian raised alarms about the safety of AI Overviews, which often appeared at the top of search results. Although Google initially defended these features, stating that they linked to reputable sources and encouraged professional consultations, the mounting criticism has led to a reevaluation of their health advice strategy.
A Shift in Google’s Approach to Health Information
In light of these developments, Google spokespersons have clarified that the removal of “What People Suggest” was part of a broader effort to simplify their search results rather than a direct response to concerns about safety or quality. The spokesperson insisted that the decision was made months ago and pointed to a previous blog post discussing the general simplification of search functionalities. However, this post did not specifically mention the feature in question, leaving some ambiguity.
Moving forward, Google remains committed to providing users with reliable health information from a variety of sources. The company has promised continued focus on integrating personal perspectives, albeit through more carefully curated channels.
Anticipating Future Innovations
With the next “The Check Up” event on the horizon, Google plans to showcase new AI research and technological advancements aimed at tackling pressing health issues. Chief health officer Michael Howell and his team are set to unveil how these innovations will enhance their approach to health-related queries.
As Google navigates these challenges, the tech giant must strike a balance between leveraging AI capabilities and ensuring the safety and accuracy of the information it provides.
Why it Matters
The removal of “What People Suggest” underscores a critical juncture in the intersection of technology and health advice. As users increasingly turn to digital platforms for medical information, the responsibility to deliver accurate, reliable content has never been more paramount. This decision reflects broader concerns not just about AI’s role in healthcare, but about the ethical implications of providing health advice in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The impact of this shift will resonate beyond Google, influencing how tech companies approach the sensitive domain of health information in the future.
