GoKawiilChrome has been running an experiment on its users' hard drives. Since at least April 2026, the browser has been automatically downloading Gemini Nano, Google's on-device AI model, to eligible desktop and laptop computers without prompting users, notifying them or offering a straightforward way to opt out. A Chrome data folder most people have never opened powers a set of AI features, including scam detection and text assistance and reinstalls itself if removed through standard means. Privacy advocates say the practice raises serious questions about consent. Here's how to find the file and what your options actually are for getting rid of it.
The mysterious file in question is Gemini Nano, an AI model that runs on devices, such as smartphones and laptops rather than in the cloud. According to Alexander Hanff, a Swedish computer scientist and lawyer known as That Privacy Guy, it's been installed on some Chrome browsers without permission. You won't know when it's been downloaded onto your device, either.
Hanff said Gemini Nano will only be installed if the device meets the hardware requirements. It's still unknown how many people have gotten the install.
Gemini Nano performs tasks such as detecting scam phone calls, helping you write text messages, summarizing recordings and analyzing Pixel phone screenshots. It's not to be confused with the AI Mode pill in the address bar. If you use AI Mode, your queries are routed to Google Gemini servers, not to Gemini Nano.
A Google spokesperson told CNET that Gemini Nano will automatically uninstall if the device doesn't have enough resources, such as processing power, memory, storage space or network bandwidth.
"In February, we began rolling out the ability for users to easily turn off and remove the model directly in Chrome settings," the spokesperson said. "Once disabled, the model will no longer download or update."
Google gives more information about on-device generative AI models in Chrome on this web page.
How to get rid of the AI model
If you want to remove the 4GB AI model from your device, first check whether it's installed.
Hanff said Chrome users will not know they have Gemini Nano unless they search for it, because "Chrome did not ask" and "Chrome does not surface it."
... continue reading