Chrome 148 Quietly Downloads a 4GB AI Model – Here's How to Check and Stop It

Chrome 148 Quietly Downloads a 4GB AI Model – Here’s How to Check and Stop It A quiet change in Chrome 148 has caught the attention of privacy-conscious users: the browser is downloading an AI model roughly 4GB in size without an explicit prompt. Google has acknowledged the feature and explained its purpose, but many users are understandably concerned about the impact on bandwidth, storage, and privacy. Here’s what’s actually happening, what Google says, and—most importantly—how to take control. ...

May 11, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk