Overview
- Reporters and researchers confirmed Chrome stores a roughly 4GB Gemini Nano file called weights.bin in an OptGuideOnDeviceModel folder to run local tools like Help me write and scam detection.
- The install appears only on eligible desktops based on hardware, storage, flags, or site/API use, spans Windows, macOS, and Linux, and does not target mobile devices.
- Manually deleting the file leads Chrome to fetch it again unless users switch off On‑device AI in settings, which Google began rolling out in February 2026.
- Snopes staff used the setting to remove the model and said it stayed gone, while Windows 11 offers a GenAILocalFoundationalModelSettings policy that blocks downloads and removes any local model for Chrome or Edge.
- Google says the data is processed on the device, yet critics point to unclear consent, possible costs for users on metered plans, and unresolved EU privacy and environmental questions.