Google removes some AI summaries amid concerns over users’ health
Google has removed some of its artificial intelligence–generated health summaries after a Guardian investigation found that inaccurate information in search results could put users’ health at risk.
The investigation revealed that Google’s “AI Overviews,” which appear at the top of search results and provide brief summaries generated by artificial intelligence, offered misleading and false information about medical tests, particularly liver function blood tests. Health experts warned that the inaccuracies were “dangerous” and “alarming,” as they could lead people with serious liver disease to believe their test results were normal and delay seeking medical care.
Following the findings, Google removed AI Overviews for the search queries “what is the normal range for liver blood tests” and “what is the normal range for liver function tests.” A company spokesperson said Google does not comment on individual removals but reviews cases where AI summaries lack context and takes action under its policies when needed.
The British Liver Trust welcomed the removals but expressed concern that similar queries could still trigger potentially misleading summaries. Experts said liver test results are complex and cannot be accurately interpreted through simple numerical ranges without medical guidance.
Patient advocacy groups also warned that inaccurate AI-generated health information risks undermining public trust, especially given Google’s dominant share of the global search market. Google said it is reviewing additional examples highlighted by the investigation and maintains that many AI Overviews are supported by reputable sources.
