Image recognition AI of "medical use" developed by Google, issues to practical use

Google has developed an app that advises skin diseases based on image recognition algorithm.It is claimed to identify cases containing skin cancer, but there are a lot of issues before practical use.

Text by Tom Simonite

Translation by chihiro oka

WIRED (US)

"Google Search" has been searched hundreds of billions of skin problems a year.So, by using the image recognition algorithm, Google decided to launch an app that provides more specialized and personalized advice.In May 2021, the Developer Meeting "Google I/O" briefly introduces how AI estimates the condition of the skin based on the images uploaded by users.

In studies that analyze skin lesion images, algorithm results are the same or exceeded as dermatologists.However, according to Dermatologist Roxana Danesh, who studies machine learning and health at Stanford University, these technologies have rarely proven their skills in clinical areas, and the skin using artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States.It is said that there is no authorized image analysis tool for departments."Many do not work well in the real world," Danishu pointed out.

The Google app has not yet been verified in clinical practice, but it is noteworthy considering the company's ability in the AI field.Google is also expanding the healthcare division, but it is not expected that new services will be offered in the United States soon.

According to Google's highest health officer, CHO, Karen Desalvo, the company is positioning the app as a dermatologist support tool.It is said that it is aiming to start providing within the European Union (EU) at the end of 21st year.

The video shown on Google I/O analyzes the images uploaded by AI, and introduces the mark on the arm that is probably "mole."The video has a caption with "medical devices that have obtained the approval of the EU authorities", which states that "it is not available in the United States."

EU accepts new technology

Google's strategy, which does not prioritize the United States, has highlighted the reality that European in Europe can easily obtain medical apps than in the United States.According to Google's spokeswoman, we want to provide services in the United States, but have no plans to see when.He also commented on whether Google had a place for consultation with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but acknowledged that it would take time to approve.

Until now, Silicon Valley has been considered a place where Europe is reluctant to new ideas and bureaucracy.This movement overturns that idea.

For example, Facebook did not implement a face recognition function within the EU in 2012-18.This is because Irish data protection has been ordered to disable face recognition and delete related data acquired in Europe.Google is obliged to respond to the request for deletion of search results based on the "right to be forgotten" from the EU residents.

Google's new app is "EU acquired a CE mark as a class I's medical device", and it will be available in countries and countries that use EU standards.However, Hugh Harvey, a manager of Hardian Health, a British digital consulting company, points out that this approval would not have been so difficult.According to Harvey, "basically, just fill out the application form and prove it yourself."

Identify cases containing skin cancer

This year's Google I/O was held a week before the EU worked to strengthen regulations.As a result, many health apps, including Google apps, have to indicate that they are actually effective, and the already approved apps need to comply with new rules by 25 years.

The demonstration at the developer meeting was short, and the app design was not the final edition.An AI app expert in the United States healthcare has pointed out that FDA could conduct a detailed investigation if it was going to develop the app in the United States.

The FDA spokeswoman does not respond to Google services, but says that software for "diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or treatment" is considered as medical devices and may need to be approved by authorities.。In this case, FDA generally "evaluates that companies are claiming for software use."Spirit officers also explain that FDA has given guidance that encourages data collection from various groups.