February 24, 2024 at 02:45PM
The Biden administration seeks public input on the benefits and risks of open-source versus closed powerful AI systems, as part of an executive order. Tech companies vary in their approach, with some advocating for open models for innovation, while others prioritize safety. Google has released an open model called Gemma, emphasizing a nuanced, collaborative approach to risks and benefits.
From the meeting notes, it’s clear that the Biden administration is exploring the debate around open-source versus closed artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The administration is seeking public comments on the risks and benefits of having AI system components publicly available, as part of an executive order signed by President Biden in October.
Tech companies have varying stances on the accessibility of AI models, with some emphasizing the dangers of widely accessible components, while others stress the importance of open science for researchers and startups. Facebook parent Meta Platforms and IBM are notable proponents of an open approach, while Google has favored a more closed approach but recently released a new group of open models called Gemma.
President Biden’s order highlighted the need for further study on “dual-use foundation models with widely available weights,” and raised concerns about security risks and potential benefits to innovation. The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration is seeking public input on the issue, with efforts to find solutions that promote both innovation and safety.
It’s important to note that simply releasing AI system components to the world doesn’t automatically make it accessible or easy for outsiders to scrutinize, as resources may still be concentrated in the hands of a few large companies. The motivations for companies to take a more open or closed approach are complex and could be influenced by various factors including profit, external contributions, and safety concerns.
Overall, the meeting notes highlight the complex and nuanced discussions around open-source and closed AI systems, with a range of viewpoints and considerations from different stakeholders.