Meta has made its artificial intelligence model, Llama, accessible to the U.S. military and defense contractors for national security applications. According to Nick Clegg, Meta's global affairs president, the model will assist in complex logistics, monitor terrorist financing, and enhance cyber defenses.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced during last week's earnings call that governments and contractors can utilize the Llama code for defense and security initiatives. Meta plans to collaborate with major tech firms such as Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, and Oracle, alongside defense partners including Anduril, Lockheed Martin, and Palantir, to provide comprehensive services to the U.S. government. Consulting firms like Accenture, Booz Allen, and Deloitte are also involved.
This initiative aims to strengthen U.S. security and establish American standards for open-source AI. Zuckerberg emphasized the significance of open-source technologies in maintaining the U.S.'s technological edge over China and other global competitors.
Clegg noted that this project could yield considerable advantages for the U.S. private sector, linking national security to economic productivity. He pointed out that other nations, including China, are rapidly advancing their open-source models to compete with the U.S.
Additionally, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK will receive open access to Llama. A recent report indicated that Chinese institutions linked to the People's Liberation Army had used an early version of Llama for military intelligence applications, though a Meta executive clarified that such use is unauthorized and breaches Meta's policies.
Under this multi-company agreement, Oracle will leverage Llama to streamline aircraft maintenance documentation, enabling personnel to identify faults more effectively and reduce repair times.