Meta is set to launch its generative artificial intelligence assistant, Meta AI, in the European Union this week, marking its debut in the region over a year after its U.S. introduction. The rollout will occur across 41 European countries, although the service will offer text-only responses as opposed to the image generation capabilities available in the U.S.
This expansion follows Meta’s navigation of the EU’s complex regulatory environment surrounding data protection and artificial intelligence, which has delayed the technology’s arrival. Notably, the AI assistant did not utilize data from EU users during its development, adhering to the region’s stringent data regulations.
Meta AI, which integrates web search functionalities for answering user queries, aims to assist with tasks such as topic exploration and problem-solving. This tool was first introduced in the U.S. in September 2023, with a global rollout across Meta’s platforms in April 2024.
The strategic move underscores Meta’s prioritization of artificial intelligence, as the company plans significant investments in data centers and infrastructure to further develop its AI capabilities. Currently, Meta AI boasts approximately 700 million monthly active users, yet aims to reach one billion to establish significant market leadership.
Despite the EU’s challenging regulatory landscape, Meta’s successful adaptation and compliance signify a crucial step in advancing its AI offerings across diverse markets.
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