Objectives: To explore the potential and challenges of utilizing internet search data in medical diagnosis, focusing on ethical, technical, and policy considerations by assessing the current state of research, identifying gaps and limitations, and proposing future research directions to advance this emerging field. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature and informational interviews with subject matter experts was conducted to examine the landscape of internet search data utilization in medical research. Searchers were performed for published peer-reviewed literature in PubMED (October to December 2023). Results: Systematic selection according to predefined criteria resulted in the inclusion of 43 articles of the 2,499 identified citations. The analysis reveals a nascent domain of internet search data research in medical diagnosis, characterized by advancements in analytics and data integration. However, significant challenges such as bias, data privacy, and infrastructure limitations hinder its widespread adoption. Emerging initiatives may offer the transformative potential to reshape data collection methodologies and privacy safeguards. Conclusions: Signals correlating with diagnostic considerations have been identified in certain diseases and conditions, indicating the potential for such data to enhance clinical diagnostic capabilities. However, leveraging internet search data for improved early diagnosis and healthcare outcomes necessitates addressing ethical, technical, and policy challenges effectively. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing infrastructure development, and prioritizing patient engagement and consent, researchers can unlock the transformative potential of internet search data in medical diagnosis, ultimately enhancing patient care and advancing healthcare practice and policy.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study was funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

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