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Llama open source license explained

Q: Llama open source license explained

The Llama models released by Meta are under a custom license that is source-available but not fully open source. The license permits research and commercial use with restrictions on redistribution and prohibits use for certain harmful purposes. It is not an OSI-approved open source license.

Quick answer

The Llama models released by Meta are under a custom license that is source-available but not fully open source. The license permits research and commercial use with restrictions on redistribution and prohibits use for certain harmful purposes. It is not an OSI-approved open source license.

PREREQUISITES

Python 3.8+
Basic understanding of software licenses
Access to Meta's Llama model repository or license text

Overview of Llama license

The Llama models from Meta are distributed under a custom source-available license rather than a standard open source license like MIT or Apache 2.0. This license allows users to access the model weights and use them for research and commercial purposes, but it imposes specific restrictions on redistribution and usage.

Key points include:

Permission for research and commercial use.
Redistribution of the model weights is generally prohibited.
Restrictions against use in harmful or unethical applications.
Users must comply with Meta's terms and conditions.

Step by step: Accessing and complying with the license

To use Llama models legally, follow these steps:

Visit Meta's official Llama release page and review the license terms carefully.
Request access to the model weights by agreeing to the license terms.
Download the model weights and use them in your projects respecting the license restrictions.
Do not redistribute the weights or use them for prohibited purposes.

python

import os

# Example: Check license compliance before loading model
license_agreed = os.environ.get("LLAMA_LICENSE_AGREED", "false")

if license_agreed.lower() != "true":
    raise PermissionError("You must agree to the Llama license terms before using the model.")

print("License agreement confirmed. Proceed with loading Llama model.")

output

License agreement confirmed. Proceed with loading Llama model.

Common variations and usage notes

While the Llama license is source-available, it is not OSI-approved open source. This means:

You can use the models in commercial applications if you comply with the license.
You cannot freely redistribute the model weights or derivatives.
Some community forks or reimplementations may use different licenses.
Always verify the license version and terms on Meta's official repository or website.

Troubleshooting license issues

If you encounter issues such as:

Denied access to model weights — ensure you have accepted the license terms.
Uncertainty about permitted use cases — consult the license text or legal counsel.
Questions about redistribution — redistribution is generally prohibited under the license.

Always keep a copy of the license agreement and track your compliance.

✅

Key Takeaways

Llama models use a custom source-available license, not a standard open source license.
Redistribution of Llama model weights is prohibited; use is allowed under specific terms.
Review and accept Meta's license terms before downloading or using Llama models.
The license restricts harmful uses and requires compliance with Meta's conditions.
Always verify license details on Meta's official Llama release page before integration.

Verified 2026-04 · llama-3.2, llama-3.3-70b

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