An investigation by The Guardian has revealed that Google’s artificial intelligence (AI)-based reviews can sometimes be hazardous to health. AI searches can provide inaccurate or misleading advice on diagnosing and treating illnesses, which can cause people to make poor decisions or delay going to the doctor.
For example, AI has advised pancreatic cancer patients to avoid fatty foods, which is against medical advice and can be life-threatening. This can lead to weight loss and problems with chemotherapy or surgery, explained Pancreatic Cancer UK director Anna Jewell.
AI also sometimes gives incorrect liver test rates without taking age, gender or ethnicity into account, which can make people with serious problems think they are healthy, added Pamela Gili, head of the British Liver Foundation.
The AI also disseminated inaccurate information about mental health conditions, which could discourage people from seeking help. Search results can also change with repeated queries, noted Athena Lamnisos of Eve Appeal.
Google said most AI reviews are accurate and helpful. The company is working to improve the quality of information, especially in healthcare, and is responding to instances of misrepresentation.