# Google Chrome has reportedly downloaded a massive 4GB AI model in the background without users’ consent.

*genai · news · 2026-05-06 · Firstpost*

## Key points

- Google Chrome downloads a 4GB Gemini-based AI model file, weights.bin, without explicit user consent.
- The file powers Chrome's AI features and is triggered only when these features are enabled.
- Many users unknowingly have already downloaded weights.bin, with reports dating back over a year.
- Deleting weights.bin often causes Chrome to redownload the file if AI features remain enabled.
- There are concerns over legal and environmental impacts due to potential billions of silent downloads.

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

[Read the full story on Firstpost](https://www.firstpost.com/tech/did-google-chrome-secretly-install-a-4gb-ai-file-on-your-computer-heres-what-you-need-to-know-14008339.html)

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