According to researchers, Chrome has been quietly downloading machine learning models in the background to power various on-device AI features — including smart text suggestions, image analysis, and autofill enhancements. The downloads occur automatically during browser updates, with no explicit notification or opt-in prompt presented to users.

Key concerns include:

• No transparent notifications: Users are unaware that AI models are being downloaded
• Storage consumption: Individual AI models can be hundreds of megabytes, with multiple models taking significant space
• Bandwidth usage: Background downloads may impact user network experience
• Unclear data scope: The range of user data collected and processed by these models is not well-defined

Privacy advocates argue that this practice violates the principle of informed consent. “Downloading AI models that will process user data should require explicit opt-in, not be buried in a browser update,” said one security researcher.

Google has not yet issued a formal response. The company has previously stated that on-device AI processing is more privacy-friendly than cloud-based alternatives, as data never leaves the user’s device. However, critics note that this does not excuse the lack of transparency about what is being installed and why.

This incident adds to a growing list of concerns about how major tech companies deploy AI capabilities without adequate user awareness.