博客

[FCE] Google scraps AI search feature that crowdsourced amateur medical advice

收听本期播客

阅读正文

Google recently decided to discontinue an artificial intelligence (AI) search feature known as “What People Suggest,” which previously allowed users to access health advice from individuals without professional medical qualifications. The initiative aimed to connect people with shared medical experiences, offering perspectives from those facing similar conditions. For instance, someone living with arthritis might have sought exercise tips from fellow sufferers through the platform.

Initially, Google launched “What People Suggest” with the conviction that AI could significantly enhance global health outcomes. Karen DeSalvo, Google’s former chief health officer, articulated the company’s view that while individuals actively seek expert medical information, they also highly value insights from others who share similar health challenges. The feature was designed to organise these online discussions into coherent themes, simplifying the process for users to find relevant peer-based advice. It was first introduced on mobile devices in the United States.

However, Google has quietly abandoned this project. A company spokesperson confirmed its removal, explaining it was part of a “broader simplification” of its search interface. Google maintained that the decision was unrelated to the quality or safety of the feature itself. This official statement has been met with considerable skepticism, particularly given the timing of the removal.

The discontinuation coincides with increasing public and media scrutiny over Google’s deployment of AI to disseminate health information to millions. Earlier this year, an investigation by The Guardian newspaper revealed that Google’s AI Overviews, which provide summaries above traditional search results, were generating inaccurate and potentially dangerous health advice. This discovery prompted Google to initially downplay the findings before eventually withdrawing AI Overviews for specific medical inquiries.

Despite its public explanations, Google has not provided a clear public announcement specifically detailing the cessation of “What People Suggest.” This lack of transparency has raised further questions about accountability within AI-driven health services. Nevertheless, Google’s commitment to exploring AI’s potential in health remains strong. The company is preparing for an upcoming event, “The Check Up,” where it plans to unveil new AI research and partnerships dedicated to tackling major global health challenges, suggesting a refined but unwavering focus on leveraging AI in healthcare.

阅读练习

1. Which of the following best summarises the main topic of the article?

  • A. Google’s new strategies for improving AI accuracy in health information.
  • B. The challenges Google faces in balancing AI innovation with user safety in health.
  • C. The development and widespread adoption of Google’s “What People Suggest” feature.
  • D. A comparison of AI Overviews and “What People Suggest” features.

2. According to Google’s spokesperson, what was the primary reason for removing “What People Suggest”?

  • A. Concerns about the quality and safety of the health advice provided.
  • B. A move to simplify the overall design of the search page.
  • C. The feature did not attract enough users globally.
  • D. A direct response to the Guardian’s investigation into AI Overviews.

3. What was the fundamental idea behind the creation of “What People Suggest”?

  • A. To replace professional medical advice with peer experiences.
  • B. To offer a platform where individuals could share and find non-expert health insights.
  • C. To directly challenge the findings of investigations like The Guardian’s.
  • D. To only provide exercise tips for specific conditions like arthritis.

4. In the fourth paragraph, what does the word “scrutiny” imply regarding Google’s AI health services?

  • A. A strong endorsement and approval from the public.
  • B. A detailed and critical examination of its operations.
  • C. A quick and superficial review of its effectiveness.
  • D. An intention to expand its use of AI without further checks.

5. What does the article suggest about Google’s transparency regarding the discontinuation of “What People Suggest”?

  • A. Google was exceptionally transparent, announcing the removal clearly.
  • B. Google provided a detailed explanation that satisfied public concerns.
  • C. Google’s communication about the feature’s removal was unclear and lacked a specific public announcement.
  • D. Google openly admitted that safety concerns were the primary reason for its removal.