Ant Group taps AI technology to tackle major health misinformation problem in China, with focus on seniors
Ant Group has rolled out an initiative through its AI healthcare app AQ in a bid to combat health misinformation in China, with a particular focus on protecting seniors.
A new AI powered section for identifying fraudulent medical ads and health misinformation is now live in the AQ app. Users can verify whether a medical ad is trustworthy by uploading a photo, typing in text, or making a one-click voice call.
Ant Group has also teamed up with more than 300 physicians across China to develop AI Doctor Agents within AQ, offering medical advice. In addition, through its online consultation platform Haodf.com, 200,000+ doctors are available to provide real-time, person-to-person medical consultations via AQ.
According to research from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, more than 40% of elderly people in China have fallen victim to scams involving fake health products, while three in ten have been misled by medical misinformation. Beyond digital tools, Ant Group also plans to organise thousands of in-person education sessions nationwide to raise awareness among seniors.
“In the age of AI, we are dedicated to combating false medical advertising and health misinformation with AQ, thus making healthcare more accessible and people’s lives healthier,” says Junjie Zhang, Vice President of Ant Group and Head of Healthcare Business.
AQ officially launched in June 2025 after public testing began in September 2024, and has thus far attracted 100 million users. The app is powered by Ant Group’s Healthcare Large Model.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
AI will be a key focus area at our sister title RTIH’s 2025 Innovation Awards.
The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”
He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”
“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”
Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.
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