Members Newsletter – May 2024
Work on the Open Source AI Definition is continuing on schedule, with v0.0.8 published in hopes of reaching a release candidate next month and a stable version in October. Version 0.0.8 incorporates changes reflecting findings from the working groups on the preferred form of making modifications and the legal frameworks used by the components from these AI systems. We encourage everyone interested in the ongoing development of the Open Source AI Definition to follow along at the OSI blog, where weekly updates are posted and your contributions are needed.
The next big push in gaining feedback from stakeholders around the globe is to take the Open Source AI Definition on the road. Thanks to a generous grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, OSI will embark on a multi-continent roadshow, conducting workshops and soliciting input on the draft definition from diverse community members around the world. The support of the Sloan Foundation confirms the importance of the multi-stakeholder global co-design process OSI has driven for almost two years. We’re working to ensures that society at large knows what to ask to retain agency and control over the technology through a commonly-accepted Open Source AI Definition.
Stefano Maffulli
Executive Director, OSI
I hold weekly office hours on Fridays with OSI members: book time if you want to chat about OSI’s activities, if you want to volunteer or have suggestions.
News from the OSI
The Open Source AI Definition gets closer to reality with a global workshop series
From the Outreach and Advocacy program
The OSI community is traveling to five continents seeking diverse input on how to guarantee the freedoms to use, study, share and modify Open Source AI systems. Read more.
Open Source AI Definition on the road: Looking back and forward
From the Outreach and Advocacy program
OSI is coming to a conference near you to discuss the Open Source AI Definition! Read more about why, where and how you can get involved. Read more.
Why datasets built on public domain might not be enough for AI
From the Outreach and Advocacy program
Common Corpus is a public domain dataset for training large language models (LLMs). Boasting 500 billion words in multiple languages, drawn from various cultural initiatives, it offers researchers a powerful tool to develop smaller and more efficient LLMs. It should not be abused as a tool to promote public policies that expand the reach of copyright law. Read more.
CRA standards request draft published
From the Policy and standards program
The European Commission recently published a public draft of the standards request associated with the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). For those who depend on incorporating or creating Open Source software, there is an encouraging new development found here. For the first time in a European standards request, there is an express requirement to respect the needs of Open Source developers and users. Read more.
Openly Shared: CRA’s Open goes beyond the OSD
From the Policy and standards program
The definition of “open source” in the most recent version (article 2(48)) of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) goes beyond the Open Source Definition (OSD) managed by OSI. Read more.
Unveiling ClearlyDefined: this free SBOM service gets cleared for takeoff
From the License and legal program
With all the buzz around SBOMs and Open Source supply chain compliance and security, a new revolution is igniting at ClearlyDefined. Read more.
OSI in the news
Open Source Initiative Hits the Road to Define Open Source AI
OSI at The New Stack
The OSI is planning a series of workshops to help it refine its working definition of open source AI, with support from Amazon, Cisco, Google and the Sloan Foundation. Read more.
‘Open Source’ Has a Definition, Let’s Get Serious About Defending It
OSI at The New Stack
The Open Source Initiative is attempting to draft a definition of open source AI. But this will not stop tech companies adding restrictions to AI models they refer to as open. Read more.
How ‘open’ is generative AI really? Not very
OSI at Financial Times
As a standard, openness should be upheld while still recognizing that its implementation will look different in the context of AI. Read more.
This Week in AI: When ‘open source’ isn’t so open
OSI at the TechCrunch
Open source implies that developers can use the models how they choose, unfettered. But in the case of Llama 3 — as with Llama 2 — Meta has imposed certain licensing restrictions. Read more.
How Do Open Source Licenses Work? The Ultimate Guide
OSI at The New Stack
Here’s a guide for creators, users and others who want to take part in this wonderful open source movement. Read more.
Practical Open Source 2024
If you run a business producing Open Source products or your company’s revenue depends on Open Source in any way, we want to hear your insights! Submit your proposal.
Job opening at the OSI
As a result of the European Digital Agenda, a wave of policy and legislation proposals affecting Open Source has arisen. The OSI seeks an experienced Policy Analyst to guide the positions taken and the delivery of education to legislators, their staff and the wider public. Submit your CV.
OSI affiliates in the news
Linux Foundation launches new industry push to develop better generative AI for enterprises
Linux Foundation at techradar.pro
The LF AI & Data Foundation’s most recent undertaking is the Open Platform for Enterprise AI (OPEA). It’s positioned as a Sandbox Project, serving as a testing ground for the Foundation’s latest ideas and technologies. Read more.
The PSF’s 2023 Annual Impact Report is here!
Python Software Foundation at PSF blog
2023 was an exciting year of growth for the Python Software Foundation! We’ve captured some of the key numbers, details, and information in our latest Annual Impact Report. Read more.
Upcoming events
PyCon US 2024
May 15-23, 2024 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Open Source AI Definition Town Hal
May 31, 2024 – Online
OW2con 2024
June 11-12, 2024 – Paris, France
OpenExpo Europe
June 13, 2024 – Madrid, Spain
OSPO4Good at the United Nations
July 9-10, 2024 – New York City, New York
Thanks to our sponsors
New members and renewals
- Sloan Foundation
- Cisco
- SAS
Interested in sponsoring, or partnering with, the OSI? Please see our Sponsorship Prospectus and our Annual Report. We also have a dedicated prospectus for the Deep Dive: Defining Open Source AI. Please contact the OSI to find out more about how your company can promote open source development, communities and software