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META REFUSES TO LAUNCH MULTIMODAL AI MODEL IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Meta has announced that it will not be launching its upcoming multimodal AI model in the European Union due to regulatory concerns. This decision will prevent European companies from accessing the model, even though it is available under an open license.
META SPOKESPERSON EXPLAINS THE DECISION
Meta spokesperson Kate McLaughlin stated to The Verge that they will release a multimodal Llama model in the coming months, but not in the EU. This is attributed to the unpredictable nature of the European regulatory environment.
EU SETS STRICT DEADLINES FOR AI COMPLIANCE
Recently, the EU finalized compliance deadlines for AI companies under its new AI Act, imposing rules on copyright, transparency, and AI applications like predictive policing. Companies operating in the EU have until August 2026 to comply with these regulations.
TEXT-ONLY VERSION OF META’S LLAMA 3 MODEL TO LAUNCH IN THE EU
Despite the restrictions, a text-only version of Meta’s Llama 3 model is reportedly set to launch in the EU, providing some access to Meta’s AI technology in the region.
IMPACT ON COMPANIES OUTSIDE THE EU
Companies outside the EU that were planning to offer products and services using these models now face a challenging situation. They will be unable to provide these offerings in one of the world’s largest economic markets.
EU’S RESPONSE TO META’S DECISION AND CRITICISM OF APPLE
As of now, the EU has not officially commented on Meta’s decision. However, the EU’s competition commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, has criticized Apple’s potential restriction on AI deployment.
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