Google Scraps ‘What People Suggest’ AI Search Feature Amid Health Accuracy Concerns

Google confirmed the feature had been removed, stating it was part of a “broader simplification” of the search experience.

Google has removed its experimental AI search feature, “What People Suggest,” which aggregated health advice from online user discussions. The move comes amid rising concerns about the accuracy and safety of AI-generated medical insights, even as the company maintains the decision was unrelated to quality issues.

The feature was introduced during Google’s “The Check Up” event in New York last year as part of a broader push to expand AI capabilities in healthcare search. It aimed to organize perspectives from forums and discussions into digestible themes, helping users quickly understand how others managed similar conditions.

Karen DeSalvo, then Google’s chief health officer, had said, “While people come to search to find reliable medical information from experts, they also value hearing from others who have similar experiences.”

Despite this positioning, the tool drew criticism for amplifying unverified advice. An investigation highlighted risks associated with inaccurate information in Google’s AI Overviews, which are shown to billions of users monthly. In some cases, misleading or oversimplified health guidance raised concerns among medical professionals and digital health experts.

Google confirmed the feature had been removed, stating it was part of a “broader simplification” of the search experience. “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, including forums with first-person perspectives that people find incredibly useful,” a spokesperson said.

However, the timing has intensified debate around the role of AI in healthcare information delivery. As more users turn to AI tools for quick answers, the line between experiential knowledge and evidence-based medical advice becomes increasingly blurred.

Experts have warned that while patient experiences can offer emotional support and practical insights, they should not substitute professional medical guidance.

Google is expected to outline its next steps in healthcare AI at its upcoming “The Check Up” event, where it will focus on advancing responsible AI use and partnerships aimed at improving global health outcomes.

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