OSCA Community Webinar: Defining Open Source AI

Introduction

Introduction

The OSCA Community Webinar recently featured an enlightening session on defining Open Source AI (OSAI). Hosted by Toby Loa, the webinar welcomed a special guest, May, the founder and principal of Do Big Good. Participants from around the globe, including Nigeria and the United States, joined the session to learn about the intricacies of open-source AI and its implications.

About May

May has an extensive background in the intersecting fields of research, policy, innovation, and social change. She has contributed significantly to the digital and technological landscapes, notably working on President Obama's 2008 campaign and digitally documenting activism. With academic credentials from Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the University of Washington, May brings valuable insights into digital strategy and open-source initiatives.

Open Source Initiative (OSI)

May started her talk by introducing the Open Source Initiative (OSI), a global nonprofit established to educate and advocate for open-source benefits while building bridges among various communities. OSI is renowned for stewarding the open-source definition, ensuring that software and systems remain transparent and accessible for modification and redistribution.

Defining Open Source AI

Combining the concepts of open source and AI, May explained open-source AI as a computational mimic of human cognition that anyone may study, use, modify, and share. She emphasized the importance of a clear definition to prevent open-washing, where companies falsely market their AI as open-source.

Benefits of Open Source AI

She highlighted several benefits:

• Transparency and Accountability: Facilitates auditing for biases and ensures safety in AI systems.
• Market Decentralization: Enables broader access to AI technologies, reducing monopolistic tendencies.
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Supports localized applications, enhancing relevance and accessibility.

The Open Source AI Definition (OSAD)

Currently, the OSAD is at version 0.0.3 and aims for completion by October. The definition includes a preamble, Four Freedoms, preferred form for modifications, and a legal checklist.

The Four Freedoms

Derived from the free software definition, these freedoms are:

1. Use: Utilize the AI system for any purpose without needing permission.
2. Study: Examine the system and inspect its components.
3. Modify: Change the system for any purpose, including altering its outputs.
4. Share: Distribute the system, with or without modifications, freely.

Preferred Form for Modifications

One contentious issue is the requirement for data. The current version allows for using "same or similar" data, leading to debates over whether original training data should be mandatory.

Code Design Process

May described the global and inclusive approach to co-designing the definition. This included in-person workshops and pivoted to virtual sessions to ensure diverse representation. Work groups reviewed various AI systems like LLaMA 2, Bloom, PyTorx, and OpenCV for compliance with the OSAD.

Inclusivity and Representation

The virtual approach resulted in 50% people of color, 30% black, and 25% women, transgender, and non-binary individuals participating, ensuring a representative stakeholder engagement.

Next Steps and How to Get Involved

May announced a series of presentations worldwide to gather feedback and finalize the OSAD. Interested individuals can join the OSI Forum, create accounts, and participate in bi-weekly town halls to stay updated and contribute further.

Keywords

• Open Source AI (OSAI)
• Open Source Initiative (OSI)
• Four Freedoms
• Preferred Form of Modifications
• Transparency and Accountability
• Market Decentralization
• Global Representation
• Co-design Process
• Inclusivity

FAQ

Q: What is the importance of defining open source AI? A: Defining open-source AI prevents open-washing, ensures transparency, accountability, and promotes broader access and innovation in AI technologies.

Q: What are the Four Freedoms in the context of open source AI? A: The Four Freedoms include the freedom to use, study, modify, and share the AI system for any purpose.

Q: How does open-source AI benefit the community? A: It allows for greater transparency, accountability, market decentralization, and supports cultural and linguistic diversity in AI applications.

Q: Why was there a shift to virtual co-design sessions? A: The shift was to make the process more accessible and inclusive, ensuring representation from diverse global stakeholders.

Q: How can individuals get involved in the OSAD process? A: Individuals can join the OSI Forum, participate in discussions, and attend bi-weekly virtual town halls to contribute to the definition's finalization.