Google embedded Gemini in Chrome, alarming users — how to disable it

Chrome users have encountered an unexpected discovery: their browser contains an embedded artificial intelligence model Gemini weighing four gigabytes. Google installed it automatically in recent browser updates, without explicit user consent. The news triggered a wave of concerns about privacy, data control, and disk space consumption.

How it was discovered

Users first noticed that Chrome unexpectedly took up significantly more disk space than before. When they began investigating what happened, the answer proved to be an unpleasant surprise: Google downloaded a full-fledged Gemini model directly into the browser, almost covertly. This wasn't discovered immediately—it happened by chance. People started discussing the issue in communities, on technical forums on Reddit and GitHub. Through joint efforts, they uncovered the full picture: in recent versions of Chrome, Google automatically downloads a local copy of Gemini without explicit notification and user permission request.

What concerns users

Critics highlight several serious problems. First, privacy: what exactly happens when the browser works with the model? Are data sent to Google's servers or is processing completely local? Second, control: why can the company install a four-gigabyte module without explicit user consent at all? Third, volume: four gigabytes is a significant amount for a hard drive, especially for people with limited space or working on older devices.

To protect users, Google added a simple disable option, which is a positive step. But the question of why the model was enabled by default remains open and raises suspicion.

How to disable the embedded model

If you're concerned about having Gemini in your browser, getting rid of it is simple and quick. Open the Chrome menu (three dots in the upper right corner), then go to "Settings" → "Privacy and security" → "Additional materials". Find the option to disable the embedded AI model and disable it. After that, the browser will offer to completely remove the model from your disk. Agree—and memory will be freed.

But is it worth disabling

Here begins the interesting and more complex part of the story. Google embedded Gemini in Chrome for a reason. The local model opens up possibilities that would otherwise be impossible: built-in AI functions working right on your computer, without the internet and without sending requests to remote servers. This brings real, tangible benefits:

• Speed—processing happens locally, without network transmission delays and waiting for a response from the cloud
• Privacy—your requests remain local, don't go to Google's servers and aren't stored somewhere in the cloud
• Reliability—built-in AI functions work even if internet connection drops

If you actively use the built-in AI assistants in Chrome, disabling the model means losing these useful features.

What it means

Google is clearly choosing a path of deep integration of artificial intelligence into all its core products, including the browser. Chrome is no longer just a browser—gradually it's becoming a browser with built-in AI. This creates a sharp dilemma for users: the convenience and functionality of new capabilities versus complete control over what is installed on their computer. It's clear that the company is betting on the first—on functionality and integration, rather than on maximum user control.