Debate over Open vs Closed Artificial Intelligence Systems Gains Attention

The Debate Over Open-Source vs Closed AI Systems: Biden Administration Seeks Public Input

The Biden administration has entered the controversial discussion surrounding whether the most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems should be “open source” or closed. The White House announced on Wednesday that it is soliciting public feedback on the risks and advantages of making a key AI system’s components publicly accessible for modification and use. This initiative is part of a broader executive order signed by President Joe Biden in October to regulate the rapidly evolving technology.

Tech companies are divided on the level of openness they should adopt for their AI models. Some argue that widely accessible AI model components pose significant dangers, while others believe that open science is crucial for researchers and startups. Leading proponents of an open approach include Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) and IBM.

President Biden’s order specifically identified open models as “dual-use foundation models with widely available weights” and highlighted the need for further examination. Weights are numerical values that impact an AI model’s performance. When these weights are publicly disclosed online, there are both significant innovation opportunities and security risks, such as compromising the model’s safeguards, according to the order. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has been tasked with consulting experts and presenting recommendations on how to balance the potential benefits and risks by July.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration within the Commerce Department is also inviting public comments for a 30-day period to shape a report for the president. Alan Davidson, an assistant Commerce secretary and administrator of the NTIA, emphasized that the issue is not black-and-white, noting that there are various levels of openness that can be explored to enhance both innovation and safety. Meta Platforms intends to share insights gained from a decade of building AI technologies in an open manner with the Biden administration to ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to all, according to a statement from Nick Clegg, the company’s president of global affairs.

The ongoing debate underscores the complex nature of AI regulation and the importance of finding a balance between fostering innovation and addressing security concerns in the rapidly advancing AI landscape.