Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has released a new artificial intelligence model called Llama 3.1 that it says rivals technologies from OpenAI and Google. The new model is being made open-source, meaning it can be used and modified by anyone for free. This move by Meta could potentially disrupt the business models of its Big Tech rivals and make it easier for start-ups to compete in the AI space. However, there are concerns that this open approach could also give access to cutting-edge technology to malicious actors.
The Llama 3.1 model, an extension of the previous Llama 3, has been trained on more data, potentially enhancing its capabilities. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg claims that future Llama models will be the most advanced in the industry. By offering its AI models open-source, Meta aims to create an ecosystem where companies without their own AI tech can leverage its models.
While the open-source approach has raised concerns about potential misuse by bad actors, Meta defends it by highlighting the benefits of increased scrutiny by researchers and regulators. Zuckerberg compared closed AI models to Apple’s restrictive practices with app developers, emphasizing the potential for more innovation and better services without such limitations.
Meta has been integrating Meta AI across its social media apps to generate images and answer user queries. The company envisions AI changing the way people shop and communicate online. However, the industry is still unsure about consumer adoption of AI tools in their daily lives, considering past failures and glitches with high-profile AI launches. Despite the challenges, Meta is focused on getting billions of people to use its AI as a core part of their online experience.
Source
Photo credit www.washingtonpost.com
