HomeGoogle Chrome Criticized for Mandatory AI Model Installation
Many Windows users have recently reported a puzzling loss of available space on their C drive. Security researchers have pinpointed the source of the problem: Google Chrome, the world's most popular web browser. As reported by cnBeta , Chrome has been silently downloading a 4GB Gemini Nano AI model file in the background without obtaining user permission.
According to security expert Zephyrianna, Chrome discreetly generates a sizable file named weight.bin in the system directory (C:UsersAppDataLocalGoogleChromeUser DataOptGuideOnDeviceModel). Technical examination confirms this file is the Gemini Nano model, which Google uses to power built-in AI functionalities within the browser.
This covert operation has drawn criticism from both developers and everyday users. Firstly, Google failed to seek consent for the download and its operation, directly undermining user transparency. Secondly, a 4GB file can quickly consume disk space and potentially slow down system performance as the model loads, particularly on systems with limited SSD capacity or older hardware. Perhaps most frustratingly, the file is marked as read-only; even if a user manages to delete it, Chrome will simply download it again upon restarting.
Google has yet to issue an official statement regarding this matter. If you notice your C drive space shrinking, you can attempt to reclaim it by following these steps:
Type chrome://flags/ into the Chrome address bar;
Locate and disable the two experimental flags labeled "Enables Optimization Guide On Device" and "Prompt API";
After restarting the browser, navigate to the aforementioned file path and manually delete the weight.bin file.
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Many Windows users have recently reported a puzzling loss of available space on their C drive. Security researchers have pinpointed the source of the problem: Google Chrome, the world's most popular web browser. As reported by
According to security expert Zephyrianna, Chrome discreetly generates a sizable file named weight.bin in the system directory (C:UsersAppDataLocalGoogleChromeUser DataOptGuideOnDeviceModel). Technical examination confirms this file is the Gemini Nano model, which Google uses to power built-in AI functionalities within the browser.
This covert operation has drawn criticism from both developers and everyday users. Firstly, Google failed to seek consent for the download and its operation, directly undermining user transparency. Secondly, a 4GB file can quickly consume disk space and potentially slow down system performance as the model loads, particularly on systems with limited SSD capacity or older hardware. Perhaps most frustratingly, the file is marked as read-only; even if a user manages to delete it, Chrome will simply download it again upon restarting.
Google has yet to issue an official statement regarding this matter. If you notice your C drive space shrinking, you can attempt to reclaim it by following these steps:
Type chrome://flags/ into the Chrome address bar;
Locate and disable the two experimental flags labeled "Enables Optimization Guide On Device" and "Prompt API";
After restarting the browser, navigate to the aforementioned file path and manually delete the weight.bin file.
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