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What does 'open source AI' mean, anyway? | TechCrunch

Jun 22, 2024 - techcrunch.com
The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is working to define "open source AI", a term that has stirred controversy due to its ambiguous nature. The OSI, led by executive director Stefano Maffulli, has been working on this issue for over two years, with the current draft of the Open Source AI Definition at version 0.0.8. The definition includes a checklist of components required for an open source-compliant AI system and emphasizes the importance of knowing where the data came from and how it was processed, rather than having access to the raw dataset.

The OSI is expected to finalize the definition by the end of October, after a global roadshow seeking diverse input. However, the organization acknowledges that the definition will likely evolve over time due to technological advancements. The definition aims to address the fundamental differences between "open source software" and "open source AI", and to provide a framework for classifying AI systems based on their openness and completeness.

Key takeaways:

  • The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is working to define "open source AI," a term that has stirred controversy due to the differences between AI and traditional software code.
  • Joseph Jacks, open source evangelist and founder of VC firm OSS Capital, argues that there is no such thing as open-source AI, as neural network weights used in AI are not comparable to software source code.
  • Meta's Llama-branded large language models, which the company has referred to as "open source," have been criticized for not truly being open source due to restrictions on their use.
  • The OSI is expected to finalize its "stable version" of the Open Source AI Definition at the All Things Open conference in October, following a global roadshow to gather diverse input.
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