AI Startup Wild Health at Heart of Google Health Benefit Controversy
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – October 9, 2025 – A little-known artificial intelligence startup, Wild Health, is facing scrutiny after its personalized health program became the focal point of a dispute over Google’s employee health benefits. Internal complaints allege the program, offered as a premium benefit to google staff, delivered questionable medical advice and, in some cases, possibly harmful recommendations, sparking a wider debate about the integration of AI into healthcare and employer-sponsored wellness initiatives.
The controversy centers on Wild Health’s use of AI to analyze individual genetic data and provide tailored health plans, including supplement regimens and lifestyle adjustments. While proponents tout the potential of AI to revolutionize preventative care,critics argue that the technology is not yet mature enough for widespread application,particularly when offering direct-to-consumer health guidance. Google suspended the program on September 27, 2025, following mounting employee concerns and a formal examination initiated by the tech giant’s benefits team. The suspension impacts approximately 800 Google employees who were enrolled in the program, costing the company an estimated $3.2 million annually.
Wild Health, founded in 2020 by Josh Trent and Dr. David Sabgir,positions itself as a leader in ”precision health,” utilizing genetic testing and AI algorithms to identify individual health risks and optimize wellness strategies. The company’s website states its mission is to “unlock the power of your DNA to live a longer, healthier life.” Though, several Google employees have come forward with accounts of receiving recommendations that contradicted established medical consensus, including high-dose supplement protocols and dietary restrictions lacking scientific backing.
One employee, speaking anonymously to internal Google forums, reported being advised to significantly increase their intake of Vitamin D based on their genetic profile, despite already having sufficient levels according to standard blood tests. Another expressed concern over a advice to eliminate certain food groups without consulting a registered dietitian. These accounts fueled a growing sense of unease among Google staff, prompting a petition signed by over 200 employees demanding greater oversight of AI-driven health programs.
Google’s decision to offer Wild Health as a benefit stemmed from a broader effort to explore innovative wellness solutions for its workforce. The company has invested heavily in health technology, including partnerships with other AI-powered health platforms. However, the Wild Health situation has raised questions about the due diligence process for vetting these programs and the potential liabilities associated with offering unproven or potentially harmful health advice.
The fallout from the controversy extends beyond Google. It highlights the challenges of regulating the rapidly evolving AI health space and the need for clear guidelines on data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and the qualifications of AI health providers. experts predict increased scrutiny of similar programs offered by other employers and a renewed focus on the ethical implications of using AI to deliver personalized healthcare. Wild Health has not yet publicly addressed the specific allegations but released a statement affirming its commitment to scientific rigor and patient safety. The company maintains its AI algorithms are continuously refined based on the latest research and clinical data.
