Open Source Initiative

OSI continues its open public process to define Open Source AI initiated in 2023.   The Open Source (Software) Definition (OSD) has underpinned a permissionless, pragmatic, and transparent software development ecosystem for 25 years. OSD compliant software / OSI Approved Licenses® is the basis of all software certified as DPG. OSI aims to ensure that the same principles may be applied to Artificial Intelligence by running a multi-stakeholder process to co-create an agreed Open Source AI definition anticipated in October 2024.  Our AI-related body of work includes participation in and collaboration with the DPGA Community of Practice for AI which advocates for responsible use of AI. An Open Source AI definition that embodies principles of transparency and clarity will be crucial to supporting wider efforts towards responsible AI.

A sharp increase in public policy and regulatory concerns with broad implications for the open source community and in turn Digital Public Goods has arisen, calling for increased education and advocacy. In response, OSI has launched the Open Policy Initiative to gather like-minded public benefit organizations to serve as a resource to policy-makers.  In the US, the Open Policy Alliance and OSI have provided subject matter expertise on Cybersecurity and AI by multiple US federal agencies with responsibility for developing policy in each domain.  We will continue to bring the voice of community and public benefit to agency civil society listening sessions, roundtable discussions and other public input forums.  We will also provide formal responses to Public Comment on topics where the open source community view is helpful to the discussion, as well as continue to serve co-legislators and commission staff via our policy and standards work in Europe.