Google reveals toggle to disable Chrome's pre-installed Gemini Nano
google chrome auto-downloaded the 4 gb gemini nano model to desktops in 2024. users can now disable it via settings > system > on-device ai, though this disables local scam detection and developer apis. security experts warn the model occupied space without clear consent during the initial rollout.
Google installed the 4 GB Gemini Nano model on desktop Chrome browsers starting in 2024 to power on-device scam detection and developer APIs. Following user reports regarding the lack of transparency, Google confirmed it rolled out a toggle in February allowing users to disable and uninstall the model via Settings. While local processing enhances privacy by keeping data off the cloud, disabling the feature removes security protections and alters how third-party sites interact with the browser.