Google scraps What People Suggest, an AI search feature that surfaced crowdsourced health tips from online discussions. The company confirmed the tool has been removed after a limited rollout on mobile in the United States.
A Quiet Removal After a Health AI Push
The feature grouped advice from strangers into themes for medical queries. Google framed it as a way to surface lived experiences. It launched after a company health event in New York.
At the time, Google said people want expert information and peer perspectives. The tool aimed to make forum style insights easier to scan. It also linked out to the underlying discussions.
Three people familiar with the decision said the feature is no longer active. One described it as fully discontinued. Google did not provide a detailed timeline for the change.
Google Says It Was Not a Safety Decision
A Google spokesperson said the removal was part of a broader search page simplification. The spokesperson said quality and safety did not drive the decision. Google also said it still surfaces health perspectives from forums.
When asked where the change was publicly shared, Google pointed to a blog post. That post did not name the feature. Google did not cite a separate announcement that mentioned it directly.
The company’s position is that users can still find first person accounts through other search pathways. It said those perspectives can be useful alongside medical guidance. Critics argue health queries need stricter guardrails.
Scrutiny Builds Around AI Overviews
The change lands amid wider attention on Google’s AI health outputs. AI Overviews can appear above traditional results for many searches. A recent investigation highlighted false or misleading health information risks.
Google previously said Overviews often link to reputable sources. It also said the summaries encourage seeking professional help. After the investigation, Google removed Overviews for some medical queries.
The company has also signaled it wants to expand medical AI summaries. That goal now sits next to questions about accountability. Regulators and researchers are watching how AI advice is presented.
Next Steps and the Trust Problem
Google is set to hold its next health focused event on Tuesday. Company leaders plan to discuss new AI research and partnerships. The focus is improving health outcomes at scale.
Even with the feature removed, the underlying debate remains. People want fast answers during health scares. Search platforms must balance speed with accuracy and context.
Small interface choices can steer user behavior. Grouped advice can look authoritative even when it is not. That makes transparency and labeling central to trust.
