Begun, the open source AI wars have.. This is going to be ugly. Really ugly.

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is nearing a definition for open source AI, with an announcement expected at the All Things Open conference in late October. However, the draft has faced criticism from various open source advocates who argue that it dilutes the essence of open source principles. The OSI's draft includes significant changes, such as the role of training data, which is deemed beneficial but not mandatory for modifying AI systems. This has raised concerns about the potential for proprietary systems to label themselves as open source. Critics, including Tara Tarakiyee and Julia Ferraioli, argue that the draft contains vague language that could allow proprietary AI systems to masquerade as open source. The OSI's approach, which includes a Model Openness Framework (MOF) with three tiers of openness, aims to provide a practical evaluation of AI models. However, some believe this compromises the fundamental rights of users to modify and improve AI systems. The debate surrounding the OSI's definition is expected to continue for years, with questions about the future leadership in defining open source AI remaining unresolved.

- The OSI is close to finalizing a definition for open source AI, expected in late October.

- Critics argue the draft definition could allow proprietary systems to claim open source status.

- The draft includes a Model Openness Framework with three tiers of openness.

- Concerns have been raised about the dilution of open source principles in the new definition.

- The ongoing debate may last for years, with uncertainty about future leadership in the open source AI community.