In a significant shift, Google has decided to discontinue its ‘What People Suggest’ feature, which aimed to offer crowdsourced health advice from users across the globe. This decision comes at a time when the tech giant faces increasing criticism regarding its approach to providing medical information through artificial intelligence. The scrapping of the feature highlights the challenges that tech companies encounter when venturing into sensitive areas like healthcare.
The Rise and Fall of ‘What People Suggest’
Originally launched with the promise of transforming health outcomes, ‘What People Suggest’ was designed to present insights from individuals who shared similar health experiences. Google promoted the tool as a way to enhance users’ understanding of their medical conditions by aggregating perspectives from online discussions.
At a media event in March 2025, Karen DeSalvo, Google’s former chief health officer, expressed optimism about the feature. She highlighted its potential to help users find reliable medical insights beyond traditional expert sources. “While people come to search to find reliable medical information from experts, they also value hearing from others who have similar experiences,” she stated, emphasising the need for accessible peer-driven knowledge.
However, the feature faced an abrupt end, with Google confirming its removal. According to an internal source, the decision was part of a broader effort to streamline its search interface, rather than a response to safety concerns or the feature’s effectiveness.
Growing Concerns Over AI-Generated Health Information
The termination of ‘What People Suggest’ coincides with intensified scrutiny over the quality of health information provided by AI systems. A recent investigation revealed that Google’s AI-generated health summaries, which are presented to approximately 2 billion users monthly, were sometimes misleading or harmful. The potential risks associated with misinformation in healthcare settings have raised alarms among experts and users alike.
In January, findings from a Guardian investigation pointed to instances where users were exposed to erroneous health advice through Google’s AI Overviews. Although Google initially defended the integrity of its AI-generated content, it later took steps to remove these features for certain medical queries. This indicates a reactive approach to user safety rather than a proactive commitment to ensuring the reliability of health information.
The Future of Health Technology at Google
Despite the challenges faced by ‘What People Suggest’, Google remains committed to exploring the intersection of technology and healthcare. The company is set to host its next ‘The Check Up’ event, where it will unveil new AI research and innovations aimed at tackling pressing global health challenges. Chief health officer Michael Howell and his team will present their latest findings and technological advancements, reaffirming Google’s ongoing investment in health-related initiatives.
A Google spokesperson asserted that the decision to retract ‘What People Suggest’ was not influenced by the quality or safety of the feature. Instead, they aim to continue providing users with reliable health information from various credible sources. This reassures users that Google is still focused on enhancing the quality of health-related content, albeit with a more cautious approach.
Why it Matters
The discontinuation of ‘What People Suggest’ serves as a critical reminder of the delicate balance tech firms must maintain when dealing with health-related information. As companies like Google continue to innovate within the healthcare space, they must prioritise accuracy and user safety to avoid the pitfalls of misinformation. This incident underlines the importance of responsible AI deployment, particularly in sectors where errors can lead to significant consequences for individuals’ health and well-being. The evolution of online health information will require ongoing scrutiny and adaptation, as both users and providers navigate the complexities of digital healthcare.
