Google Chrome's recent update has sparked controversy, as it silently installed a 4GB AI model called Gemini Nano on users' devices without explicit consent. This move has raised concerns among privacy advocates and security researchers, who argue that it may violate European data protection laws. The model, designed to perform tasks like scam detection and text message assistance, was installed automatically on eligible devices running recent versions of Chrome between late April and early May 2026. The lack of a consent screen or pop-up notification has led to criticism, as users were not informed about the installation. Security researcher Alexander Hanff, known as That Privacy Guy, has highlighted the issue, suggesting that Google's actions could be seen as a breach of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles of lawfulness, fairness, and transparency. Hanff also points out the potential environmental impact of the model's installation, suggesting that Google should have announced it under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. The model's presence on users' devices raises questions about Google's intentions and the potential for further AI-related updates without explicit user consent. The article provides instructions on how to check for and remove the AI model, emphasizing the importance of user awareness and control over their device's software.
