Google Chrome silently installs 4 GB Gemini Nano AI model to user device without consent

As reported by That Privacy Guy, Google Chrome has begun silently deploying a 4 GB Gemini Nano AI model file, named weights.bin, onto user devices without requesting explicit consent. The file resides in the OptGuideOnDeviceModel directory and contains the on-device large language model used to power various AI-driven browser features.

When users delete the weights.bin file, Chrome automatically re-downloads it as long as browser AI features remain active. Following this behavior, features such as “Help me write” and on-device scam detection are enabled by default on any machine that meets specific hardware requirements. While these functions were introduced to enhance browsing, Chrome does not display a consent prompt or settings checkbox before installing the supporting AI model, leaving many users unaware of its presence.

To prevent Chrome from restoring the file, users must manually disable AI features via chrome://flags or implement enterprise policy tools, methods which are not generally accessible to home users. Alternatively, uninstalling Chrome removes the AI model. This approach has drawn criticism regarding both privacy practices and the environmental impact associated with unsolicited 4 GB downloads on millions of devices. Observers are now watching to see if future versions of Chrome will require explicit opt-in for such AI features in response to the growing backlash.