Google Confirmation: Amateur Medical AI Feature Has Been Permanently Discontinued

Google has confirmed that a search feature using AI to present amateur health advice from online communities is no longer in operation. Known as “What People Suggest,” the tool drew on internet discussions to surface community health insights and organized them by theme using artificial intelligence. Three insiders independently confirmed the removal prior to Google’s official acknowledgment.
The feature was unveiled to widespread media attention at Google’s health event in New York last spring. Then-chief health officer Karen DeSalvo described the tool as a meaningful step in helping users benefit from the health experiences of others who had navigated similar conditions. The AI-curated community content was accessible via mobile devices for US users initially.
Google’s explanation for removing the feature pointed to simplification of the search results page rather than any safety or quality concerns. However, the blog post cited as public notice of the change made no mention of “What People Suggest,” raising legitimate questions about whether Google communicated the decision transparently or simply hoped no one would notice.
The episode is part of a larger pattern of scrutiny over Google’s use of AI in health contexts. An investigation earlier this year found that AI Overviews were delivering medically inaccurate content to around two billion users monthly. While Google removed some medical AI Overviews following the investigation, the underlying issues with AI-generated health content have not been comprehensively resolved.
Google’s upcoming health-focused event will feature the company’s new chief health officer and a range of AI health initiatives. To be credible in this space, the company will need to show that lessons have been drawn from the failure of “What People Suggest.” Transparency, safety, and honest communication are the foundations upon which trust in health AI must be built.