# Google Chrome silently downloaded a massive AI model onto devices without user consent.

*web3 · news · 2026-05-08 · TechRadar*

## Key points

- Google Chrome automatically downloads a 4GB Gemini Nano AI model without user consent or notification.
- Deleting Gemini Nano's weights.bin file causes Chrome to silently redownload the 4GB file on restart.
- The local Gemini Nano model is not used for Chrome's main 'AI Mode'; server processing is used instead.
- The unconsented download violates EU ePrivacy Directive rules and may breach GDPR transparency requirements.
- Estimated CO2 emissions from global Chrome downloads of Gemini Nano rival the output of thousands of cars annually.

**Companies:** Google
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/pro/the-climate-costs-are-insane-why-chrome-users-are-outraged-over-a-forced-4gb-gemini-ai-update-that-may-affect-billions-worldwide-without-their-consent-and-it-even-redownloads-automatically-when-deleted)

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