Open-Source AI Foundation Launches To Promote Transparency in Government AI Contracts

The Launch of the Open-Source AI Foundation (O-SAIF)

In a significant move toward transparency and accountability in technology, the Open-Source AI Foundation (O-SAIF) was officially launched today in Washington. This organization is dedicated to preventing wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars and ensuring the security of AI systems utilized by civilian government agencies. With a call to action, O-SAIF emphasizes the need to shift away from closed-source AI contracts and promote open-source solutions that allow for public verification and oversight.

A Call for Change

O-SAIF's launch comes with a timely warning: billions of taxpayer dollars are at risk due to insecure and unauditable closed AI systems. Joe Merrill, CEO of OpenTeams, stated, "All closed-source AI contracts with civilian agencies should be terminated immediately. Government AI should be built openly, with transparency and auditability at its core." This sentiment echoes throughout the foundation's message as it emphasizes the importance of openness in technology that supports governmental functions.

O-SAIF has announced the initiation of a substantial $10 million campaign aimed at educating lawmakers, policy makers, and the general public about the critical importance of open-source AI. This campaign will underscore how creating transparent systems can safeguard public interest and improve trust in government technology.

The Importance of Public Audibility

Industry leaders have voiced their support for O-SAIF’s mission. Shaw Walters, CEO of Eliza Labs, explained the necessity of making AI models public. According to Walters, "Large language models are built on open frameworks and are trained on public data from the web. We should treat technology as a public good, ensuring these models are subject to citizen audits." This highlights not only the inherent value of public oversight but also the potential risks of leaving AI development in the hands of private entities without sufficient scrutiny.

The foundation’s perspective is further supported by Travis Oliphant, a prominent figure in AI and the creator of NumPy and SciPy. He noted, "Open-source AI allows the public to audit and verify algorithms, enhancing trust in government technology. It is also more secure because any attacks can be identified and remedied."

Misuse of Public Resources

Another pressing concern raised by O-SAIF’s Director, Hon. Tyler Lindholm, is the financial implications of awarding contracts to closed-source vendors. Lindholm stated, "Awarding a closed-source software vendor to develop proprietary AI in civilian govtech represents a serious misuse of public resources." He emphasized that reliance on these opaque systems not only wastes taxpayer funds but also undermines public oversight.

As these concerns grow, Brittany Kaiser, O-SAIF Chairwoman, warned of the serious consequences of unchecked AI development. Kaiser pointed out, "AI will soon surpass human coding capabilities. Providing closed AI systems access to critical government functions without transparency poses a grave risk. If we don’t ensure auditability now, we risk dire consequences for taxpayers and society." This call reflects the urgency of implementing immediate reforms in AI funding and development.

Background on O-SAIF

Founded to champion the cause of transparent and accountable AI in government, O-SAIF’s mission focuses on advocating for the mandatory adoption of open-source technologies across federal, state, and local agencies. The foundation’s goals are not only to ensure public auditability of AI systems but also to foster innovation while safeguarding democratic values and civil rights.

Supported by leading experts in the field, O-SAIF represents a collective voice pushing for a shift toward more open practices in the development and implementation of AI systems. This effort seeks to align technological advancements with the principles of accountability and public service, ultimately aiming to restore taxpayer confidence in government programs.

With the backing of various organizations dedicated to transparency, O-SAIF is poised to make significant strides in reshaping the landscape of government AI contracts. For additional information, you can visit theopensourceai.foundation.