Meta Platforms Inc. and International Business Machines Corp. are leading an industrywide initiative to create the AI Alliance, a coalition consisting of more than 40 companies and organizations. The primary objective of this alliance is to promote open source artificial intelligence (AI) work, facilitating the sharing of technology and minimizing potential risks. The collaboration aims to foster responsible AI development by focusing on safety and security measures, expanding the availability of open source AI models, and collaborating with academic researchers.
By advocating for open source AI technology, which involves making AI systems public for broader usage, the AI Alliance aims to create a more efficient and inclusive environment for the advancement of these complex systems. In line with this objective, Meta has already begun releasing open source versions of its large language models, which form the basis of AI chatbots.
Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, emphasized the benefits of open AI development, stating, We believe it’s better when AI is developed openly — more people can access the benefits, build innovative products and work on safety.
To facilitate effective governance and technical oversight, the AI Alliance plans to establish a governing board and technical oversight committee. Prominent participants in this collaborative effort include Oracle Corp., Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Intel Corp., Stability AI, and several academic and research organizations such as the University of Notre Dame and the Mass Open Cloud Alliance.
The recent turbulence at OpenAI, known for developing ChatGPT, and the ensuing debate surrounding transparency in AI development have further highlighted the urgency of responsible and accountable practices within the industry. Notably, OpenAI is not officially listed as a participant in the AI Alliance.
By joining forces, Meta and IBM, alongside other key industry players, are taking proactive steps to foster a culture of responsible AI development, increase accessibility to AI benefits, and encourage innovation in the field. The AI Alliance serves as a platform for collaboration, promoting the exchange of knowledge and technology while emphasizing ethical considerations and safeguarding against potential risks.
This collaborative effort reflects the industry’s recognition of the need for shared responsibility and a collective commitment to the responsible development and deployment of AI technology. As the AI Alliance evolves, it is expected to drive advancements in AI safety, security, and accessibility, shaping the future of this rapidly evolving field.
In essence, the AI Alliance represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of responsible AI development, uniting industry leaders and organizations in a shared commitment to open source collaboration, innovation, and the betterment of society through AI technology.
