Health & Wellness
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AI Chatbots Give Bad Medical Advice; EU Acts

AI Chatbots Face Scrutiny While Tech Giants and Pharmaceutical Firms Navigate Legal and Financial Challenges

LONDON - Several significant developments have emerged in the technology, business, and health sectors. The European Union has taken action against Meta regarding its WhatsApp platform, while a study highlights the potential dangers of AI chatbots providing medical advice. Simultaneously, BP announced cost-cutting measures, and Novo Nordisk initiated legal action against a rival pharmaceutical company.

The EU has instructed Meta to allow rival AI firms' chatbots access to WhatsApp, citing a breach of competition rules. According to a BBC Technology report, Meta was accused of abusing its dominant position by blocking competitors' AI assistants from the messaging app. The European Commission stated that WhatsApp is a crucial entry point for AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, to reach users. A Meta spokesperson responded, claiming the EU had "no reason" to intervene and had made "incorrect" assumptions about how people use chatbots.

In the realm of healthcare, a University of Oxford study revealed that AI chatbots provide inaccurate and inconsistent medical advice, potentially posing risks to users. The research, as reported by BBC Technology, found that individuals using AI for healthcare advice received a mix of reliable and unreliable information, making it difficult to discern trustworthy guidance. Dr. Rebecca Payne, the lead medical practitioner on the study, stated it could be "dangerous" for people to consult chatbots about their symptoms. A Mental Health UK poll from November 2025 indicated that over one in three UK residents use AI to support their mental health or wellbeing.

In the business sector, BP announced a drop in annual profits and increased its cost-cutting targets due to falling crude prices. BBC Business reported that the oil giant's profits fell to $7.5 billion in 2025, down from $8.9 billion the previous year. BP also suspended its share buyback program and reduced spending. The company is shifting its strategy away from renewable energy investments, with Meg O'Neill, the new boss taking over in April, expected to continue this trend.

Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, is suing a rival firm for allegedly selling "unsafe, knock-off" versions of its weight-loss drugs in the US. BBC Business reported that the Danish company filed a lawsuit on Monday to ban Hims & Hers' weight-loss products, claiming they are unapproved and infringe on its patent. Hims & Hers initially launched a new weight-loss pill, leading to Novo Nordisk's legal threat. Over the weekend, Hims & Hers announced it would stop selling the pill, but its share price slumped on Monday after Novo Nordisk pursued the lawsuit, which Hims & Hers called a "blatant attack."

Finally, the European Commission unveiled an action plan to combat cyberbullying, including the rollout of an online safety app across EU member states. Euronews reported that the app will enable children and young people to report cyberbullying and receive assistance. The plan aims to help young victims safely report abuse and receive help.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

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