The open secret of open washing – why companies pretend to be open source

The term "open washing" refers to the practice where companies falsely claim their products or services are open source, despite not adhering to the principles of transparency and accessibility. This trend has gained traction, particularly in the AI sector, as companies like Meta promote their models, such as Llama 3, as open source, despite failing to meet the Open Source Initiative's (OSI) criteria. A recent study highlighted that many prominent AI models from major companies, including Google and Microsoft, do not qualify as open source. The motivation behind open washing includes the desire to enhance public perception and evade regulatory scrutiny, especially with the EU AI Act offering exemptions for genuine open source models. The OSI is set to release a definition for open source AI, but current licenses often do not meet any established criteria. The implications of open washing extend beyond legal definitions; it threatens the collaborative nature of open source development, potentially leading to increased legal complications and hindering innovation. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining clear definitions to protect the integrity of open source, as deviations could disrupt the ecosystem and affect all users, from developers to corporations.

- Open washing is a deceptive practice where companies falsely claim their products are open source.

- Major AI models from companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft often do not meet open source criteria.

- The EU AI Act provides incentives for companies to mislabel their models as open source.

- Maintaining clear definitions of open source is crucial to protect the collaborative development environment.

- Open washing could lead to increased legal complications and hinder innovation in the tech industry.