Google Chrome has been silently installing its Gemini Nano AI model, which occupies approximately 4GB of storage, on desktop devices. This on-device model is intended to power features like scam detection and AI-assisted writing without sending user data to the cloud. The automatic installation occurs on systems that meet certain hardware requirements and when AI features are active.
In response to user and researcher concerns about the lack of explicit consent, Google stated that this practice has been in place since 2024. The company clarified that the model will automatically uninstall if a device is low on resources. Google also noted that a setting to disable the on-device AI and remove the model has been rolling out to users, which will prevent it from being downloaded again.