Author name: Zin Lwin

The challenge of the usage of the term “open source” in the context of AI is explored by The New Stack with CEO Amanda Brock raising concerns that a second definition may risk undermining the Open Source Software Definition.

In response to the Elastic shift back to open source software licensing, our CEO, Amanda Brock expanded on why the open source community is invested in licenses actually meeting the true definition of open source and the frictionless freedom this creates. The lines are often blurred in this ecosystem so clarity and transparency is critical to avoid open washing.

Amanda Brock welcomes long term open source software contributor Elastic back to the open source fold, as this prodigal child reverts to an open source software licence.

There are lessons the UK can learn from the EU’s AI Act that will likely prove to be an overly prescriptive and unwieldy cautionary tale of regulatory capture with only the largest companies able to comply, stifling innovation in the EU,” said Amanda Brock.

Labour advised to balance regulation with the spirit of innovation on AI.

The focus on being appropriately narrow and – from a safety lens – regulating only the largest models is well-received. For innovation to prevail, AI must be open… through informed understanding, the UK can leverage AI openness to acquire leadership on the world stage, enshrined in appropriate knowledge of benefits and risks that enable the transparency necessary to create trust.

Amanda Brock, CEO of OpenUK welcomed the focus on the largest AI models: “Our Labour government is well-advised to tread carefully with its AI bill capturing those who empower the most powerful AI, ensuring not to close market opportunities or limit UK innovation. The bill’s focus being appropriately narrow and from a safety lens, regulating only the largest Models, is well received,” she said.

“For the UK to stay relevant globally, and to build successful AI companies, openness is crucial. This will allow the UK ecosystem to grow its status as a world leader in open source AI, behind only the US and China.”

A second open source manifesto, this time from SAP is reported on in The Register and commented on by Percona founder Peter Zaitsev and our CEO Amanda Brock.