Google Chrome Is Silently Downloading a 4GB Gemini Nano AI Model to User Devices Without Consent

Google Chrome has been quietly downloading around 4GB of Gemini Nano AI model weights to user devices without their consent, and it automatically re-downloads the files if they are deleted. This behavior has been confirmed on Windows 11, Apple Silicon, and Ubuntu systems, with user reports indicating it has been happening for about a year.

The files are stored in a folder named OptGuideOnDeviceModel. On Windows 11, the path is %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\OptGuideOnDeviceModel.

What Chrome’s 4GB Gemini Nano Download Is Used For

The 4GB folder isn't used for Chrome's main AI features. The AI Mode that appears in the address bar and in Google Search runs on Google's servers, not from the locally stored weights. The downloaded model is only used for writing assistance and a few other features that are accessible through several menus in the browser.

Users who haven't enabled or looked for those features might have the model stored on their device without realizing it serves any function they use.

How to Check for and Remove Chrome’s AI Model

Deleting the OptGuideOnDeviceModel folder doesn’t stop Chrome from redownloading it. The most reliable way to remove it is to uninstall Chrome completely.

If you want to disable the download without removing Chrome, you can try the following:

1. Type chrome://flags into the address bar.
2. Search for "Enables optimization guide on device on Android."
3. Set the dropdown to Disabled.

This flag also shows whether a device is eligible for the feature. Older hardware might not qualify, and the download seems to be limited to newer machines.

Why Chrome’s Silent AI Download Is Raising Privacy Concerns

Alexander Hanff, a computer scientist and lawyer who verified the behavior through macOS kernel file system logs, has formally accused Google of violating European privacy laws by forcing users to download large amounts of data without their knowledge or consent.

Hanff estimates that distributing 4GB to hundreds of millions or even billions of Chrome users could amount to several exabytes of data transfer and result in between 6,000 and 60,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

Google has not publicly responded to these claims or explained why users are not notified before downloads begin.

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☞ El artículo completo original de Arthur Kay lo puedes ver aquí