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Chrome's GM says on-device AI is central to the browser's security strategy, but did not explain why deleting it triggers an automatic re-download.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome VP and GM Parisa Tabriz has responded to criticism over Chrome’s practice of silently downloading a 4GB AI model onto users’ devices, saying on-device AI is central to the browser’s security and developer strategy.

What triggered the backlash

Privacy researcher Alexander Hanff recently documented the behavior, finding that Chrome automatically downloads Gemini Nano’s model, which is around 4GB in size, on devices without prompting users or offering a clear opt-out. Deleting the file manually triggers an automatic re-download on the next Chrome restart.…