Chrome Is Silently d/l AI onto your PC

[Bamb0]

http://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/new...nt=Chrome_logo

Google Chrome has been quietly downloading a 4GB AI model onto users devices without asking first.

(It) has been silently installing Gemini Nano, Googles on-device AI model, as a file called weights.bin stored in the OptGuideOnDeviceModel directory within users Chrome profiles. This 4GB download happens automatically when Chrome determines your device meets the hardware requirements. It does not ask for consent, and sends no notification,not even one of those annoying cookie banners you've learned to dismiss without reading.

Note 4GB

For many they may not notice,but those with limits,it will cost you money.

Also no notice about forcing this on people who dont want it,and if you get that mess off of your PC,during the next "windows update" will reinstall it again.

How to get rid of it:

1) Dont use the Chrome browser/Chromium browser.

2) Stop using Windows.

3) You dont want to stop using the Chrome/Chromium browser,click the link above and it will give you instructions. (The best instructions are in the comments.)

I am getting really tired of these companies forcing things on to our PCs or peoples phones.

[dryoldlime]

Bambo
Thanks for the post and the ref. link to the article.

Looking for the file, not found it on the old desktop machine with Windows 10. Plans to check my other main machine some time later.

We have reasons to look into alternative browsers based on Chrome.

[TenFour]

I saw this described elsewhere and went on a search for that file and could not find it, but I have had Smart Features turned off for years. Word of caution on any articles about Gmail and Google. Lots of fake stories and scare articles circulating that include half truths and sometimes just false information.

[JeremyNicoll]

Originally Posted by Bamb0

Also no notice about forcing this on people who dont want it,and if you get that mess off of your PC,during the next "windows update" will reinstall it again.

Why would MS's Windows Update process install a rival's software?

[chrisretusn]

Using Chromium here. No AI.

[Bamb0]

Im glad you dont have it!!