Google has removed “What People Suggest,” a search feature that used AI to curate health recommendations from ordinary users sharing experiences online. The tool was confirmed as discontinued by a Google spokesperson and verified by three individuals familiar with the internal decision. Though the company cited search simplification as the reason, the explanation has not satisfied critics.
The feature was presented at Google’s New York health event with enthusiasm by then-chief health officer Karen DeSalvo, who argued it would bring new depth to health search by incorporating lived experience alongside clinical knowledge. AI was used to group online health discussion content into readable themes, with links provided for users to explore further. Mobile users in the United States were the initial audience.
Google’s spokesperson denied safety was a factor in the removal, but was unable to point to a credible public announcement of the change. The blog post cited as evidence made no reference to the discontinued tool. A well-placed insider described the situation bluntly: “It’s dead.”
Google’s health AI operations have been under a microscope following revelations that AI Overviews were distributing false health information to billions of users monthly. The company made partial adjustments after the issue became public, though health professionals continued to express concern about the systemic risks of AI-generated health content.
Google’s next health event will provide another platform to present its AI health vision to the world. Whether the audience, including health workers, regulators, and the public, receives it warmly will depend in part on whether the company has learned from this episode. Owning and addressing failures is the first step toward trustworthy innovation.