Google responds to Chrome’s silent Gemini Nano install, stops short of addressing consent

Chrome has been quietly downloading a roughly 4GB Gemini Nano model to eligible devices without asking users first, according to a privacy researcher.

If the model is deleted, Chrome may reinstall it, intensifying concerns about consent, transparency, and user control.

Google’s Chrome VP Parisa Tabriz said the model supports on-device AI and security features and runs locally on the device.

The company says users can remove it in settings, but it did not directly address criticism over the silent download and reinstall behavior.

The episode is drawing extra scrutiny in regions like the EU, where privacy and consent rules are stricter.