Google is downloading a specific file onto the computers of certain users via its c browser. Security researcher Alexander Hanff has claimed that a 4GB Artificial Intelligence model is being downloaded without seeking permission. The researcher states that Chrome is quietly installing a file related to the Gemini Nano AI system in the background on eligible laptops and desktops.
**File Downloading to System Without Permission**
According to Hanff's report, the browser first checks whether the device meets the necessary hardware requirements; if it does, it automatically downloads the AI model. The report also notes that many users may not even realize the file's existence until they notice a shortage of storage space or unusually high data usage.
**Enjoyed Adventure Sports**
Hanff claims that this AI model is linked to Chrome's on-device AI capabilities, which include writing assistance and other AI-powered tools within the browser. The researcher argues that users are not explicitly informed that a multi-gigabyte AI model is being stored locally on their devices.
**Researcher Investigates, Uncovering the Truth**
To verify whether Google was indeed downloading the file via Chrome, Hanff explained that he conducted a controlled macOS test, in which he created a new Chrome profile and monitored the file system activity logs. According to his findings, Chrome created a folder named ‘OptGuideOnDeviceModel’ and downloaded the entire 4GB payload without any user interaction. He claimed that this process took just over 14 minutes, and Chrome had assessed the machine's hardware capabilities before the download even began.
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