Venturing into the military and national security fields! Meta (META ...)
Meta Platforms has received approval from US government institutions and defense contractors to utilize its AI models, marking a significant milestone for Meta's technology in military and national security operations.
According to the financial app Smart Finance, Meta Platforms (META.US) has been granted permission by US government institutions and defense contractors to employ its AI models, paving the way for Meta's technology to play a crucial role in military and national security operations.
The company is supplying its large language model named Llama to a variety of US institutions and contractors, including Lockheed Martin (LMT.US), Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp (BAH.US), and Palantir (PLTR.US).
Open Source AI Models
While Meta's AI models are open source, allowing developers to utilize them at no cost, the company's "acceptable use policy" prohibits their use in projects related to military, warfare, nuclear industry, applications, or espionage activities.
Exception for Defense Institutions
However, Meta is making an exception for US defense institutions and their contractors as part of its efforts to expand its presence in the public sector and enhance Llama's position in the emerging AI arms race.
Meta's Global Affairs Chief, Nick Clegg, emphasized in a blog post on Monday the company's commitment to contributing to the security, safety, and economic prosperity of the United States and its closest allies.
A Meta spokesperson confirmed that Llama will also be extended to similar government institutions and contractors in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, forming the "Five Eyes Alliance," an intelligence-sharing organization.
Role in Defense and Security
Llama, as a large-scale language model, serves as the foundation of the current AI trend, with applications in various services, including powering chatbots. In the defense and security realm, Llama can aid in tasks like data analysis, document synthesis, tracking terrorism financing, or enhancing network defense.
Meta does not dictate how US institutions or their partners utilize Llama technology but emphasizes the ethical and responsible deployment of AI for safeguarding national security, in compliance with international laws.
Establishing Global AI Leadership
Part of Meta's collaboration with US defense institutions aims to solidify Llama's position as a leading global AI product. CEO Zuckerberg's decision to open-source Llama reflects a strategy to exert more control over the upcoming technological advancements, leveraging Meta's widespread technology.
Zuckerberg's efforts to have the public sector across the entire US government adopt Llama were mentioned during a recent earnings call. These endeavors, along with the latest updates, could facilitate the integration of Llama and foster relationships between Zuckerberg and elected officials.
Despite facing criticism for its role in regulating user speech and alleged lapses in safeguarding young individuals online, Meta's collaboration with US defense institutions underscores its strategic positioning in the AI landscape.
