In a surprising turn of events, Google has decided to discontinue its “What People Suggest” feature, which provided crowdsourced health advice from users across the globe. Announced last year as a groundbreaking tool to bridge the gap between expert medical information and personal experiences, the feature has now been quietly eliminated as part of a broader effort to streamline its search page. This decision comes at a crucial time when the tech giant faces heightened scrutiny regarding the safety and reliability of AI-generated health information.
A Bold Initiative that Missed the Mark
When Google launched “What People Suggest” at its “The Check Up” event in March 2025, the feature was touted as a revolutionary advancement in health information access. Designed to aggregate insights from individuals with similar medical experiences, Google aimed to create a more empathetic approach to healthcare information.
Karen DeSalvo, Google’s then chief health officer, expressed the motivation behind the feature in a blog post, stating, “While people come to search to find reliable medical information from experts, they also value hearing from others who have similar experiences.” This sentiment resonated with many users looking for relatable support in their health journeys.
The Fallout from Criticism
Despite its well-meaning intentions, the feature faced backlash shortly after its launch. A Guardian investigation in early 2026 raised alarms about the potential dangers of relying on user-generated health advice. The report revealed that the AI-generated summaries, viewed by billions, often contained misleading information that could jeopardise users’ health.
Google initially dismissed the concerns, asserting that its AI Overviews were linked to trustworthy sources and encouraged users to seek professional advice. However, the scrutiny intensified, leading Google to remove AI Overviews for certain medical queries, although not universally.
The Quiet Withdrawal
As of March 16, 2026, Google confirmed the discontinuation of “What People Suggest,” with a spokesperson stating the decision was part of a “broader simplification” of the search experience. Importantly, they maintained that the scrapping of the feature was unrelated to its quality or safety. “It’s dead,” remarked a source familiar with the situation, indicating the feature’s abrupt demise.
In response to inquiries about the public announcement of this decision, Google referred to a blog post from November 2025, which failed to mention the feature directly. The spokesperson reiterated that the feature was not removed due to safety concerns, insisting that Google remains committed to providing reliable health information from diverse sources.
Looking Ahead
Google is set to host its next “The Check Up” event on Tuesday, where health officials, including new chief health officer Michael Howell, will discuss innovative AI research and partnerships aimed at tackling significant global health challenges. While the discontinuation of “What People Suggest” marks a setback, it also signals Google’s willingness to reassess its approach to health information in light of user safety and accuracy.
Why it Matters
The withdrawal of “What People Suggest” underscores the delicate balance between leveraging technology to enhance health information access and ensuring user safety. As companies like Google continue to innovate in the health tech sector, the focus must remain on providing accurate, evidence-based information that prioritises user wellbeing. The scrutiny faced by Google serves as a crucial reminder of the responsibility tech giants have in shaping health narratives in an increasingly digital world.
