Google has dropped a new artificial intelligence search feature that provided users with crowdsourced health advice from amateurs around the world. The feature, known as 'What People Suggest', was launched as part of the company's efforts to transform health outcomes using AI, according to a blog post by Karen DeSalvo, then Google's chief health officer.
The decision to scrap the feature comes as Google faces mounting scrutiny over its use of AI to provide health information and advice, as reported by The Guardian. In January, a Guardian investigation found that people were being put at risk of harm by false and misleading health information in Google AI Overviews, which are shown to 2 billion people a month.
Google initially sought to downplay the findings, stating that the AI Overviews linked to reputable sources and recommended seeking expert advice. However, days later, the company removed AI Overviews for some but not all medical queries. The 'What People Suggest' feature was initially made available on mobile devices in the US, but has since been quietly removed, according to three people familiar with the decision.
Background and Controversy
In March last year, Google announced plans to expand medical-related AI summaries in search, including the launch of 'What People Suggest'. The feature aimed to provide users with information from people with similar lived medical experiences, using AI to organize different perspectives from online discussions into easy-to-understand themes.
Karen DeSalvo, then Google's chief health officer, wrote a blog post outlining the reasons behind the launch of 'What People Suggest', stating that people value hearing from others who have similar experiences. The feature was designed to help users quickly grasp what people are saying about a particular health topic, with links to click out and learn more.
However, the feature's removal has raised questions about the company's approach to providing health information and advice. A Google spokesperson confirmed that 'What People Suggest' had been scrapped as part of a broader simplification of the search results page, but denied that safety was a factor in the decision.
Expert Analysis and Implications
Independent experts have expressed concerns about the potential risks of using AI to provide health information and advice. The removal of 'What People Suggest' may be seen as a step in the right direction, but it also highlights the need for greater scrutiny and regulation of AI-powered health advice.
As Google continues to develop and launch new AI-powered health features, the company must prioritize the safety and accuracy of the information provided. The upcoming 'The Check Up' event, where Chief Health Officer Michael Howell and other company staff will share updates on Google's health initiatives, will be closely watched by experts and regulators.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The scrapping of 'What People Suggest' is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the use of AI in healthcare. As the company continues to navigate the complexities of providing health information and advice, it must prioritize transparency, safety, and accuracy. The future of AI-powered health advice will depend on the ability of companies like Google to balance innovation with responsibility and regulation.
