Meta is offering its Llama 2 large language model (LLM) to U.S. government agencies in a bid to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across federal departments. The move, announced September 20, 2024, provides government entities with access to a powerful AI tool for a range of applications, from customer service to data analysis, without requiring extensive in-house development.
The initiative comes as the White House continues to shape its strategy for U.S. leadership in the global AI race, recently releasing a policy roadmap emphasizing deregulation, infrastructure development, stricter export controls, and freedom of speech for chatbots. This roadmap instructed the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to revise its AI risk management framework, removing references to misinformation, diversity, equity and inclusion, and climate change.meta’s offer aligns with the governance’s push for broader AI implementation, though it operates independently of the White House plan.
Llama 2, released in July 2023, is an open-source LLM designed for commercial and research use. By providing access to this technology, Meta aims to streamline AI integration within the government, possibly reducing costs and accelerating innovation. The company has also emphasized the importance of responsible AI development and deployment, offering resources and guidance to ensure ethical use of the model.
Simultaneously occurring, adoption of generative AI is growing across demographics. A PYMNTS Intelligence report, “Generation AI: Why Gen Z Bets Big and Boomers Hold Back,” found that millennials are leading the charge in utilizing generative AI for professional purposes, with 52% reporting its use in their work and 61% stating it helps them accomplish tasks more efficiently. This trend underscores the increasing utility of AI technologies beyond experimental phases, signaling a shift towards practical application.
