Google puts users at risk by downplaying health disclaimers in its AI overviews

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

When answering questions about sensitive topics like health, the company says its AI summaries, which appear above search results, encourage users to seek professional help instead of just relying on the summaries. “AI overviews will inform people when it is important to seek expert advice or verify the information presented,” Google said.

However, the Guardian noted that the company does not make such disclaimers when providing users with medical advice for the first time.

Google only issues a warning when users request additional health information and click the “See more” button. Even then, safety warnings only appear underneath any additional medical advice compiled using generative AI, and in a smaller, brighter font.

“This is for informational purposes only,” reads the disclaimer for users who click through for more details after…