Meta will not release its multimodal llama AI model in the EU

Meta says it will not launch its upcoming multimodal AI model — capable of handling video, audio, images, and text — in the European Union, citing regulatory concerns. The decision will prevent European companies from using the multimodal model, despite it being openly licensed.

“We will be launching the multimodal Llama model in the coming months, but not in the EU due to the unpredictable nature of the European regulatory environment,” said Meta spokeswoman Kate McLaughlin. Edge.

Just last week, the EU finalized compliance deadlines for AI companies under its tough modern AI Act. Tech companies operating in the EU will typically have until August 2026 to comply with rules on copyright, transparency and AI applications such as predictive policing.

This continues to create a challenging situation for non-EU companies wishing to provide products and services using these models, as they will not be able to offer them in one of the world’s largest economic markets.

The EU has not commented on Meta’s decision at the time of writing. Apple’s decision to potentially restrict AI deployment has been criticized by EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager.