Image Courtesy: The Verge
Some Google Chrome users may have discovered that their browser quietly installed a large artificial intelligence model onto their device without any clear notification or permission prompt. The model, known as Gemini Nano, can reportedly take up around 4GB of storage space and is designed to run AI tasks directly on laptops and smartphones instead of relying entirely on cloud servers.
The issue was highlighted by Swedish computer scientist and privacy advocate Alexander Hanff, also known online as “That Privacy Guy.” Hanff claims Chrome has been deploying Gemini Nano automatically on compatible systems without clearly informing users. The AI model is only installed on devices that meet certain hardware requirements, including available storage, memory, and processing power, according to a report by CNET.
Gemini Nano is part of Google’s broader push toward on-device AI processing. Unlike cloud-based AI services that send requests to external servers, on-device models handle certain tasks locally. Google says Gemini Nano supports features such as scam call detection, text assistance, audio summarization, and image analysis on supported devices.
However, some users say the main concern is transparency rather than functionality. Hanff argues that many people would not even know the AI model exists unless they manually searched system files for it. According to the report, users can locate the installation by searching for a folder called “OptGuideOnDeviceModel,” which contains a file named “weights.bin.”
Google confirmed to CNET that Gemini Nano can be disabled or removed through Chrome settings. The company said it began rolling out easier controls in February, allowing users to turn off the feature directly within the browser. Google also stated that the model automatically removes itself if a device lacks sufficient system resources.
The company says on-device AI offers practical advantages, including reduced dependence on cloud infrastructure and faster local processing. Critics, however, argue that shifting AI workloads onto users’ personal hardware could reduce operational costs for companies while increasing storage and energy usage on consumer devices.
Hanff also raised potential legal concerns related to European privacy regulations. He suggested the automatic installation could conflict with principles of transparency and consent under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, commonly known as GDPR.
The situation reflects a broader trend across the tech industry, where AI features are increasingly being integrated directly into operating systems, browsers, and consumer applications. In many cases, these additions arrive through software updates rather than separate downloads, making them less visible to average users.
For people who want to remove Gemini Nano, options include disabling the related Chrome feature through browser flags or uninstalling Chrome entirely. As AI tools become more deeply embedded into everyday software, debates around consent, storage usage, and user awareness are likely to become more common.