Google AI Overview: Google has quietly removed some medical advice search results from its AI Overview feature. This decision was made after it was discovered that some health-related answers provided by AI were misleading and provided incorrect medical information. Specifically, AI summaries related to liver diseases and liver function tests will no longer appear for certain search queries

 

Google cracks down on inaccurate health summaries.

According to a report by Android Authority and an investigation by The Guardian, Google received numerous complaints that the AI Overview wasn't providing accurate information on serious health topics. Following this, the company disabled AI-generated summaries for some sensitive questions related to the liver. However, information on these topics will still be available as website links through normal Google Search, but the AI's automatic summaries will no longer be displayed.

 

There was already controversy regarding the AI Overview.

Last year, Google added AI Overview to its search engine to provide users with quick and concise answers to their questions. However, when this technology began providing medical advice, questions arose. Even a small error in health information can pose a significant risk, so controversy surrounding automated medical advice is understandable.

How was the wrong medical information being created?

Typically, AI Overview generates a short response to a search query, along with links to relevant websites. However, The Guardian report described some medical results as "highly sensitive and dangerous."

In the case of liver function tests, the AI provided reference ranges that were not applicable to every individual, and did not take into account important factors such as age, gender, race, nationality, and test methods used by different laboratories.

Misplaced trust can be fatal.

Doctors and health experts say that such AI-generated information can give people false confidence. If someone suffering from a serious illness believes they are healthy after seeing this incomplete or inaccurate data, they may not seek timely medical advice. In such cases, delaying necessary treatment can even be life-threatening.

What did Google say?

Following these reports, a Google spokesperson stated that the company is continually working to improve the accuracy of its policies and AI models. They acknowledged that changes were necessary in some cases, so the medical summary related to AI Overview has been removed. However, advice on several other health topics is still being provided through AI Overview, which may lead to more stringent action in the future.

What are the lessons for users?

This case is a reminder that information available online, especially health advice, cannot always replace a doctor's opinion. Google's move demonstrates that while AI can be helpful, human expertise remains the most reliable tool for medical decisions.