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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Andrew Gregory Health editor

Google puts users at risk by downplaying health disclaimers under AI Overviews

Three screens displaying the Google logo against a dark background
Google’s AI Overviews only issue a warning if users choose to request additional health information, by selecting ‘Show more’. Photograph: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images

Google is putting people at risk of harm by downplaying safety warnings that its AI-generated medical advice may be wrong.

When answering queries about sensitive topics such as health, the company says its AI Overviews, which appear above search results, prompt users to seek professional help, rather than relying solely on its summaries. “AI Overviews will inform people when it’s important to seek out expert advice or to verify the information presented,” Google has said.

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