Google confirmed the discontinuation of a search feature that organized health advice from internet users without verified medical expertise. “What People Suggest” used AI to curate and group community health content from online forums, presenting it alongside traditional search results. Three sources with knowledge of the decision confirmed its removal before Google acknowledged it publicly.
The feature was introduced at a Google health event in New York last spring, championed by then-chief health officer Karen DeSalvo as a way to surface real-world health experiences for users. She argued that community wisdom had a place alongside clinical information in health search results. The feature was initially released to mobile users in the United States.
In confirming the removal, Google stated it was driven by search page simplification rather than quality or safety concerns. However, when Google was asked to demonstrate where this was communicated publicly, the referenced blog post failed to mention the feature. The lack of clear communication has drawn criticism from those who follow AI health policy closely.
The removal happens against the background of ongoing scrutiny over Google’s AI health content. An investigation earlier this year found that AI Overviews were distributing inaccurate health information to around two billion monthly users. In response, Google removed AI Overviews for certain health searches, but the broader issue of AI-generated medical misinformation on the platform persists.
At its next health event, Google will again make the case for AI’s role in transforming healthcare. But that case will require more than impressive announcements — it will require demonstrated honesty about failures and concrete steps to prevent recurrence. The removal of “What People Suggest” is a test of whether Google is prepared to meet that standard.