Open Source Initiative (OSI) is driving a global multi-stakeholder process to define “Open Source AI.” This definition will provide a framework to help AI developers and users determine if an AI system is Open Source or not, meaning that it’s available under terms that allow unrestricted rights to use, study, modify and share. There are currently no accepted means by which openness can be validated for AI, yet many organizations are claiming their AI to be “Open Source.” Just as the Open Source Definition serves as the globally accepted standard for Open Source software, so will the Open Source AI Definition act as a standard for openness in AI systems and their components.

“AI is different from regular software and forces all stakeholders to review how the Open Source principles apply to this space,” said Stefano Maffulli, executive director of the OSI. “OSI believes that everybody deserves to maintain agency and control of the technology. We also recognize that markets flourish when clear definitions promote transparency, collaboration and permissionless innovation. After spending almost two years gathering voices from all over the world to identify the principles of Open Source suitable for AI systems, we’re embarking on a worldwide roadshow to refine and validate the release candidate version of the Open Source AI Definition.”

After months of weekly town hall meetings, draft releases and reviews the OSI is nearing a stable version of the Open Source AI Definition. Now, the OSI is embarking on a roadshow of workshops to be held on five continents to solicit input from diverse stakeholders on the draft definition. The goal is to present a stable version of the definition in October at the All Things Open event in Raleigh, North Carolina. This “Open Source AI Definition Roadshow” is sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and OSI’s sponsors and donors.

For weekly updates, town hall recordings and access to all the previously published material, visit opensource.org/deepdive.