Google Chrome lets users disable the Gemini Nano AI model

In short: Google says desktop Chrome users can turn off and remove the Gemini Nano AI model, a file that may take about 4 GB of space.

What happened

If you use Google Chrome on a computer, Chrome may have downloaded a small Google AI model called Gemini Nano. An AI model is a packaged set of files that helps software make guesses and decisions, like a built-in “brain” that runs on your device.

According to WIRED, the Gemini Nano file started auto-downloading for some Chrome users in 2024 after Google built it into the browser. A recent post from a privacy blogger, That Privacy Guy, drew attention because many people did not realize the file was there.

Google says there is now a simple switch in Chrome’s settings to turn this off. In Chrome, click the three dots menu, then go to Settings, System, and turn off “On-device AI.” Google says that once disabled, the model will no longer download or update, and it can be removed. The blogger also noted that manually deleting the file can cause Chrome to download it again after a restart.

Google built Gemini Nano into Chrome to power on-device scam detection, which is meant to spot suspicious sites without sending your data to the cloud (the company’s servers). Google also says some websites can use these on-device AI tools. Google added that Gemini Nano may uninstall itself if a device is low on resources.

Why it matters

Turning off “On-device AI” can save storage space and may feel more comfortable if you do not want extra AI features running on your computer. But Google says disabling it also turns off certain security features, and some sites may behave differently.

Source: Wired