Google Chrome Silently Installs 4GB Gemini Nano AI Model

Following reports from privacy researcher Alexander Hanff, Google is facing criticism for silently downloading a 4GB AI model, Gemini Nano, onto compatible Windows, macOS, Chromebook, and Ubuntu devices via the Chrome browser. The model, stored as a weights.bin file in the OptGuideOnDeviceModel folder, powers on-device features such as writing assistance, text summarization, tab grouping, and scam detection.

Hanff discovered the installation through automated audits and filesystem logs, noting that the browser frequently re-downloads the model if it is manually deleted. He argues that this practice may violate the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive, which require explicit user consent before storing information on terminal equipment. Furthermore, Hanff alleges that while the model is stored locally, certain queries are still transmitted to Google's servers for processing.

Google defended the deployment, stating that on-device models improve privacy and response speeds by reducing cloud reliance. The company noted that Gemini Nano automatically uninstalls on devices with low storage and that a setting to disable and remove the model was rolled out in February 2026 via Chrome settings. Some users, however, report inconsistent success in preventing the model's reinstallation depending on their browser version.