Google removes AI Overviews for key health queries following accuracy concerns: Report

Google has reportedly removed some of its artificial intelligence (AI)-generated health summaries from Search. According to a report by The Guardian, the tech giant as removed AI Overviews for the search terms “what is the normal range for liver blood tests” and “what is the normal range for liver function tests”.

The move comes after an investigation conducted by the publication found Google AI overviews generating “false and misleading information”. The report quotes a Google spokesperson who said: “We do not comment on individual removals within Search. In cases where AI Overviews miss some context, we work to make broad improvements, and we also take action under our policies where appropriate.”A previous investigation by the publication found the AI overview summaries that appear at the top of search results, giving “inaccurate health information, putting users at risk of harm.”

According to experts, what Google’s AI Overviews answered may vary drastically from what was actually considered normal. For example, searching “what is the normal range for liver blood tests” served up masses of numbers, little context and no accounting for nationality, sex, ethnicity or age of patients, per The Guardian.Vanessa Hebditch, the director of communications and policy at the British Liver Trust, told the publication that the removal of health-related AI overview summaries is “excellent news,” adding “we’re pleased to see the removal of the Google AI Overviews in these instances.”

“However, if the question is asked in a different way, a potentially misleading AI Overview may still be given and we remain concerned other AI‑produced health information can be inaccurate and confusing.”Sue Farrington, the chair of the Patient Information Forum welcomed the removal. “This is a good result but it is only the very first step in what is needed to maintain trust in Google’s health-related search results. There are still too many examples out there of Google AI Overviews giving people inaccurate health information,” Farrington told The Guardian.