Written by Kotori Tayama-Gannon

Google pulls the plug on AI health tool 

Google has quietly scrapped its AI search feature “What People Suggest”, which aimed to provide crowdsourced health advice from everyday users. The tool, launched to showcase how AI could organise lived experiences into helpful insights, was initially created to compliment expert medical guidance.

The decision comes amid growing scrutiny over AI-generated health information. Earlier investigations from The Guardian found that Google’s AI Overviews, which reach two billion people each month, sometimes included misleading advice.

A Google spokesperson said the removal of “What People Suggest” was part of a broader simplification of search results and not due to safety or quality issues. Most of the content it would have surfaced remains available via forums and other sources.

The move highlights the ongoing challenges tech giants face when using AI to provide accurate and moderated health guidance to its large audiences.

New injectable peptide trend emerges online

From the latest in the world of wellness, injectable peptides are trending and worrying health experts. The IMPACT team discussed what they are and why they’re rising in popularity.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signalling molecules in the body, often used in injections to tell the body how to function.

These injectables are increasing in popularity online, promising weight loss, muscle growth, tan skin, and anti-aging benefits to improve appearance and health. In reality, most are unregulated substances that have not been approved for human use. Only a few peptides have Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval, including GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, which can only be obtained through a prescription and carefully monitored by a doctor.

The peptides promoted online by some social media influencers – showing product benefits, where to buy them, and how to use them – are black-market products being sold illegally. The reality is that this trend-driven quick fix spreads misinformation to impressionable audiences, with medical experts warning not enough is known about the safety or long-term effectiveness of these products.

TikTok rethinks the funnel 

TikTok is starting to rethink its role in the marketing funnel, with a sharper focus on the consideration stage – where interest turns into real intent. As consumer journeys become less linear, the path to purchase now sits in a more complex “messy middle”, where people are constantly comparing, researching and validating their options.

This shift reflects the growing pressure on brands to deliver both brand impact and measurable performance from the same investment. In response, TikTok is building out its capabilities to better support this stage, giving marketers more ways to understand and influence decision-making.

New solutions, including improved measurement tools and high-impact ad formats, are designed to give clearer visibility across the funnel while creating more engaging brand moments. At the same time, TikTok is continuing to strengthen its commerce offering, making it easier for users to move from discovery to purchase without leaving the platform.

With hundreds of thousands of Australian businesses already on board, TikTok is evolving into a more connected ecosystem where content, community and commerce come together.

Recap: The Oscars 2026

Monday morning (Australian time) marked the biggest event of the year for film, with the team tuning in for the 98th Academy Awards.

Leading the award wins was One Battle After Another, taking home six awards, followed by Sinners with four and Frankenstein with three.

Standout moments included Michael B. Jordan winning Best Actor for Sinners, using his speech to honour the Black actors who came before him. Jessie Buckley made history as the first Irish winner of Best Actress for Hamnet. Sinners cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw also had a historical win as the first woman to win in her category, while Demon Hunters broke new ground as the first K-Pop title to win both Best Original Song and Best Animated Feature.

While Aussie favourites Jacob Elordi and Rose Byrne didn’t take home trophies, they celebrated their first Oscar nominations: Elordi for Best Supporting Actor in Frankenstein, and Byrne for Best Actress in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.