How to Disable Google’s Gemini in Chrome
If you use Google’s Chrome browser for desktop, there’s probably a Gemini Nano AI model running on your computer right now and taking up about 4 GB of space. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if you didn’t know about it and don’t want it, there’s a way to turn it off.
The Role of Gemini Nano
Google built Gemini Nano into the browser in 2024 after developing an AI model that can detect scams on-device. The goal was to provide developers with local APIs for AI-related applications while keeping data on users’ devices instead of sending it to the cloud.
To uninstall the Gemini Nano file, open Chrome on your computer, then go to Settings, System, and toggle “On-device AI” off. The Privacy Guy article noted that if you directly uninstall the Gemini Nano file in the directory, Chrome will silently, automatically redownload it the next time the browser reboots.
Google’s Position
A Google spokesperson tells WIRED that the company started rolling out the On-device AI toggle in February so users can turn off the features if they choose and remove the model. “Once disabled, the model will no longer download or update,” the spokesperson says in a statement. The company added that Gemini Nano will automatically uninstall if the device is low on resources.
Privacy Concerns
Google’s integration of Gemini Nano into Chrome was announced publicly but for users who don’t follow every granular update, it may be unsettling to discover a large AI model file running on their computer. Longtime security and compliance consultant Davi Ottenheimer suggests that an on-device model could be a hidden minefield.
Google’s integration of Gemini Nano was initially not conceived as something users would interact with. The Privacy Guy article highlighted how many users might have missed the integration, especially if they don’t follow every update closely.
Alternatives
Integrating local processing for AI capabilities is a more private way to utilize these tools. However, removing Gemini Nano from Chrome doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better for your privacy. Google warns that if you turn off On-device AI, certain security features will not be available, and sites using the on device APIs may behave differently.
Conclusion
- You can disable Google’s Gemini Nano in Chrome by toggling “On-device AI” to off in Settings.
- Directly uninstalling the Gemini Nano file could lead to it being redownloaded automatically on reboot.
- The feature was initially not conceived as something users would interact with, and its initial rollout did not include a settings control for turning it off.
Originally published at wired.com. Curated by AI Maestro.
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