Artificial intelligence policy is shaping the future of technology and the Open Source ecosystem. OSI works with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure that AI regulation recognizes the benefits of openness and enables Open Source AI to thrive.
Our policy work
OSI works with policymakers and stakeholders to provide technical and legal expertise on Open Source and AI. Our work includes:
- Responding to government consultations and requests for information.
- Educating legislators, regulators, and standards organizations.
- Publishing policy papers, analysis, and recommendations.
- Participating in international forums and multistakeholder initiatives.
- Working with Open Source developers, researchers, companies, nonprofits, and other organizations.
- Monitoring emerging legislation and regulation affecting Open Source.
Open Source AI Definition
OSI developed the Open Source AI Definition (OSAID) to provide a clear, practical framework for identifying when an AI system can be considered Open Source. OSAID identifies four essential freedoms:
- Use the system for any purpose and without having to ask for permission.
- Study how the system works and inspect its components.
- Modify the system for any purpose, including to change its output.
- Share the system with or without modifications, for any purpose.
For machine-learning systems, exercising these freedoms also requires access to the preferred form for making modifications, including the relevant code, model parameters, and information about the data used to train the system.
Resources
- New resource on AI & Open Source for U.S. policymakers
- EU AI Act and CRA: Timelines and Resources
- Data Governance in Open Source AI: Enabling Responsible and Systematic Access
Position
- Open Weights Are Good. Open Source Is Better.
- The AI Era Arcs Toward Openness
- Openness Made All of This Possible
- White House releases AI Action Plan, includes Open Source
- Ensuring Open Source AI thrives under the EU’s new AI rules
Joint statements
- We Must Open the Frontier: OSI, OFAI Support Calls for the U.S. to Develop More Open Models
- Open Source Initiative Helps G7 Deliver Vision On AI Openness
- Open letter: Harnessing open source AI to advance digital sovereignty
- Open Forum for AI, Open Source Initiative respond to White House on AI R&D strategy
- OSI and Apereo Foundation Respond to White House on AI Action Plan
Fellowship
Recent activities
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Open Enables a Lot: The OSI at UNGA81
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Open Weights Are Good. Open Source Is Better.
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We Must Open the Frontier: OSI, OFAI Support Calls for the U.S. to Develop More Open Models
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EU AI Act and CRA: Timelines and Resources
