Google Removes Chrome Privacy Claim After Silent 4GB AI Model Download Exposed

Google has quietly removed a key privacy assurance from Chrome version 148.0.7778.97, deleting the claim that on-device AI operates 'without sending your data to Google servers.' This follows privacy researcher Alexander Hanff's May 6 revelation that Chrome silently downloads a ~4GB Gemini Nano model file (weights.bin) without opt-in on Windows, macOS, and Linux—taking ~15 minutes—and re-downloads it if deleted. Hanff argues the behavior breaches EU ePrivacy Directive Article 5(3) and GDPR Articles 5(1), 25; notably, Chrome's 'AI Mode' routes queries to the cloud anyway. The update heightens regulatory and reputational risks for GOOG.OQ investors amid potential scrutiny.