Following Apple AI, Meta’s new AI model is also not available in the EU due to strict regulations

Meta has confirmed that its upcoming multimodal AI models will not be available in EU countries, citing the bloc’s strict regulations. The tech giant’s next model will integrate text, video, audio, and images for advanced functionalities like chatbots, content generation, and translation. However, these features will be inaccessible to EU residents due to regulatory unpredictability.

Meta’s Approach

Meta's strategy involves building accessible, open-source AI models for use by various companies and research institutions, as well as integration into its platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp.

This decision to withhold the release in the EU may disappoint those eagerly awaiting the new Llama model and could affect Meta’s product offerings in Europe.

Apple AI has also previously been restricted from use in the EU

Meta's challenges in the EU are not isolated. Apple has similarly restricted its upcoming Apple Intelligence release from the EU market, citing concerns over European regulations.

These restrictions highlight the difficulties tech companies face with Europe's stringent rules, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Markets Act.

GDPR and Digital Markets Act

The GDPR, effective since 2018, aims to protect European users' data, requiring companies to comply or face significant fines. Meta’s compliance issues with GDPR have already led to a pause in its AI assistant rollout in the EU, as ordered by the Irish Data Protection Commission. Apple faces challenges with the Digital Markets Act, which targets large tech companies, preventing anti-competitive practices.

Future Implications

Meta and Apple’s decisions may set a precedent for other tech companies.

Regulators within Europe and globally will observe these moves as they shape policies to balance innovation and user protection.

Meta plans to release its new AI models, including the Llama model supporting audio and video, in the UK, where it anticipates fewer regulatory hurdles despite similar GDPR standards.