Chrome downloads a 4GB AI file without user consent, researcher alleges
Google Chrome has been found to be silently downloading a 4GB AI model, Gemini Nano, onto users' devices without explicit consent. Security researcher Alexander Hanff discovered that the file, named "weights.bin," is installed in hidden directories and automatically re-downloads if deleted, unless AI features are disabled or Chrome is uninstalled. This practice has raised concerns about user privacy, potential violations of EU regulations like GDPR, and significant environmental impact due to widespread distribution. AI
IMPACT Raises significant concerns about user consent and privacy for AI features integrated into widely used software, potentially influencing future regulatory actions.