The OSI lacks competence to define Open Source AI
The Open Source Initiative faces criticism for its handling of the Open Source AI Definition, with concerns over expertise, censorship, and transparency, as it approaches a deadline of October 28, 2024.
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The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is facing criticism for its handling of the Open Source AI Definition (OSAID), with claims that it lacks the necessary expertise to define open-source AI effectively. Critics argue that the OSI has resorted to censorship against those advocating for a definition that includes access to training datasets, which they believe is essential for maintaining the four freedoms of open source. Bruce Perens, the original author of the Open Source Definition, has expressed his disapproval of the OSI's approach, suggesting that the existing definition can be applied to machine learning without modification. The OSI's recent actions, including moderating discussions and excluding certain voices, have raised concerns about transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process. Critics also highlight the absence of AI expertise among OSI board members, questioning the organization's ability to navigate the complexities of AI in open-source contexts. The ongoing debate is compounded by the OSI's impending deadline for the OSAID, set for October 28, 2024, which many believe could lead to a significant shift in the open-source landscape, potentially undermining its foundational principles.
- The OSI is criticized for lacking expertise in defining Open Source AI.
- Censorship and moderation of discussions have raised concerns about transparency.
- Bruce Perens supports applying the original Open Source Definition to AI.
- The OSI's deadline for the OSAID is set for October 28, 2024.
- Critics warn that the new definition could undermine the core principles of open source.
3 commentsIn all fairness, asking the same AI the same question right now produces:
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Based on the search results provided, there is no explicit mention of any Open Source Initiative (OSI) team or board members claiming expertise in Artificial Intelligence. However, there are a few relevant points to note:
1. The OSI has been actively involved in initiatives related to AI, particularly in developing an Open Source AI Definition (OSAID)[1][3]. This suggests that the organization is engaging with AI-related topics, even if individual expertise is not specified.
2. The OSI board includes members with diverse backgrounds, and they are working with external experts on AI-related projects. For example, Sayeed Choudhury, an OSI board member, is leading the Open Forum for AI (OFAI) initiative at Carnegie Mellon University[1].
3. The OSI has collaborated with various stakeholders, including AI experts from organizations like Mozilla Foundation, Google, Microsoft, Hugging Face, and others, in the process of developing the Open Source AI Definition[3]. This indicates that while OSI may not have internal AI experts, they are actively engaging with AI professionals from other organizations.
4. The OSI has organized events, webinars, and podcasts featuring experts discussing AI-related topics[3]. This suggests that the organization is committed to understanding and addressing AI issues, even if they may not have in-house AI expertise.
While the OSI is clearly involved in AI-related initiatives, the search results do not provide specific information about individual OSI team or board members claiming expertise in Artificial Intelligence. The organization appears to be leveraging external expertise and collaborations to address AI-related challenges in the context of open source software.
Citations: [1] https://opensource.org/blog/the-open-source-initiative-joins... [2] https://opensource.com/article/23/3/questions-osi-board-cand... [3] https://opensource.org/deepdive [4] https://www.osler.com/en/insights/updates/osi-releases-first... [5] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2021/6629... [6] https://www.sfi.ie/research-news/stories/ai/ [7] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/osidigital_the-osi-digital-te... [8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l_BREt8Afk
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I, for one, have no issue with the board of an organization getting external expertise for topics that they believe such external input is needed.