Meta won't release its multimodal Llama AI model in the EU

Meta has announced that it will not release its upcoming multimodal Llama AI model in the European Union due to concerns about the unpredictable regulatory environment. This decision will prevent European companies from utilizing the model, despite it being available under an open license. The move by Meta follows a trend in the tech industry, with Apple also considering excluding the EU from its AI rollout due to regulatory issues. While a text-only version of Meta's Llama 3 model will still be launched in the EU, the decision poses challenges for companies outside the EU looking to offer products and services using these models in one of the world's largest economic markets. Meta's multimodal AI models are expected to be integrated into products like the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses. The EU has not yet commented on Meta's decision, but Apple's similar stance faced criticism from the EU's competition commissioner.