A new report says Google Chrome may quietly download a large AI model to some devices. In some cases, the download size can reach up to 4GB. As a result, many users worry about bandwidth usage, storage space, and privacy.

Researchers say Google uses the AI model for upcoming browser features powered by artificial intelligence. However, many users did not expect Chrome to download such a large file automatically. For users with limited internet quotas, this can increase data usage. In addition, slower devices may experience reduced performance during the download process.

Security experts also warn about possible security risks. Large AI models can create new attack paths inside the browser. For example, attackers may try to exploit weaknesses in local AI processing or browser integrations. Furthermore, some researchers believe the practice may raise concerns under European privacy and transparency rules if users do not receive clear information first.

Google has not called the behavior malicious. Even so, the report has started a wider discussion about AI features in modern browsers. Many users now want clearer controls before browsers download large AI files automatically.

Overall, the issue shows how browsers are changing quickly. Today, browsers are no longer simple web tools. Instead, they are becoming AI platforms with advanced features. Because of this, transparency, security, and user consent are becoming more important than ever.

Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/google-chrome-silently-downloads-4gb-ai-model-to-your-device-without-permission-report-claims-researcher-says-practice-may-violate-eu-law-waste-thousands-of-kilowatts-of-energy