Alibaba to greatly utilize Meta’s Llama 2 AI model in China.
Alibaba to greatly utilize Meta's Llama 2 AI model in China.
Alibaba Cloud to Support Meta’s Llama 2 AI Model, Expanding Access in China
Chinese businesses are about to gain access to Meta’s Llama 2 AI model, with Alibaba Cloud set to become its first enterprise supporter in China. This move comes at a time when tensions between the US and China over AI are on the rise. The announcement marks a significant development for the Chinese tech giant, giving Chinese businesses the opportunity to utilize Meta’s free AI model.
Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing division of Alibaba, announced on Tuesday that it will be the first major enterprise in China to support Meta’s Llama 2 AI model. According to Reuters, this move will enable Chinese businesses to have direct access to Meta’s AI technology. In a statement on super app WeChat, Alibaba Cloud stated, “Today, Alibaba Cloud has launched the first training and deployment solution for the entire Llama 2 series in China, welcoming all developers to create customized large models on Alibaba Cloud.”
Meta, in collaboration with its “preferred partner” Microsoft, launched the next-generation Llama 2 AI model on July 18. While the model can be hosted by other powerful cloud providers like Alibaba Cloud and Amazon Web Services, it is worth noting that Alibaba Cloud is the first enterprise from China to support Llama 2.
The Meta team emphasizes the open-source nature of the Llama 2 model, providing a free and accessible alternative for businesses that may be deterred by the cost of ChatGPT’s premium model. However, for commercial entities with over 700 million monthly active users, special licenses are required to use the model. This open approach aligns with Meta’s vision for the development of AI models, particularly in the rapidly advancing generative space.
The entrance of Meta’s AI model into China may raise concerns among US lawmakers, who have become increasingly cautious about China’s AI aspirations. The geopolitical tension between the two superpowers has further amplified these concerns. During a recent podcast, Silicon Valley veteran Marc Andreessen highlighted that discussions on AI with policymakers in Washington became more competitive as soon as China was mentioned.
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It is important to note that earlier this year, Alibaba went through a major restructuring, dividing the conglomerate into six different units. This move came in response to a crackdown by the Chinese government on the country’s tech firms. The partnership between Meta and Alibaba Cloud reinforces Alibaba’s position as a significant player in the AI industry, despite the recent changes.
Both Meta and Alibaba have yet to respond to a request for comment from Insider, made outside of regular working hours.
This collaboration between Meta and Alibaba Cloud will undoubtedly expand access to advanced AI technology in China, opening up new possibilities for Chinese businesses. Furthermore, it will fuel the ongoing AI race between the US and China, adding another layer of competition to an already complex field.
