Google Chrome is reportedly downloading a 4GB local AI model into users’ PCs without asking for permission. It seems that Google is installing a Gemini Nano model on Chrome-equipped computers without user consent or notification, taking up valuable space while wasting energy and bandwidth.
According to Alexander Hanff from the ThatPrivacyGuy blog, Google Chrome is downloading Gemini Nano to local storage, taking about 4GB of space. This procedure is reportedly automatic, creating a “weights.bin” file inside Chrome’s “OptGuideOnDeviceModel” folder without asking for any user input. The Gemini Nano model powers Chrome AI tools like scam detection, writing assistance, autofill, and suggestion features.
The 4GB file is used to store the model’s training parameters to allow for on-device operation without needing to pull information from the cloud. While this is great for privacy, depending on the machine, 4GB may be better used for something else. More so, considering that this space is hoarded by a feature you may never use, at a time when storage comes at a premium.
Manually deleting the “weights.bin” file does nothing, too, as Chrome repeatedly redownloads it. Thankfully, some users have found an option called On-Device AI in Chrome’s settings under the System tab, which can disable this feature permanently, all while removing the related files. The video below, from BrenTech on YouTube, shows how to do so.
For my part, I don’t seem to have this feature yet, even though I have the latest available build, version 148.0.7778.97. Perhaps it’s region-dependent or only shows on some specific hardware configurations, such as those with built-in NPUs.
Either way, the fact that this unauthorised download is even possible raises many questions. First, there is the question of the legality of such a procedure, where the author points to Article 5 of Directive 2002/58/EC (the ePrivacy Directive) which prohibits the storing of information, or the gaining of access to information already stored, in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user, without the user’s prior, freely-given, specific, informed, and unambiguous consent, except where strictly necessary for the provision of an information-society service explicitly requested by the user.
Secondly, sending 4GB to each Chrome user comes at a great cost of power and bandwidth, not to forget the climate, where Alexander estimates up to 60,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This isn’t surprising considering that the Chrome browser is used by hundreds of millions on desktop alone. For reference, as of March 2026, Google Chrome is the dominant web browser with approximately 3.62 billion total users globally, while accounting for 75.23% of the desktop browser market.
All of this wouldn’t be an issue if Google had asked for permission beforehand. Be it storage, environmental costs, or even privacy, none is a problem if the user accepts knowingly. The problem here, it seems, is the lack of transparency.
