#Paris #France #Open Source #AI Safety #ROOST

Launch of ROOST Initiative for Online Safety in AI Era

In a significant stride towards a safer digital environment, the Robust Open Online Safety Tools (ROOST) initiative was unveiled at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit held in Paris. Spearheaded by a coalition of leading technology firms and philanthropic organizations, ROOST aims to enhance the safety of children and young users online by providing accessible, free, and open-source tools.

The Purpose of ROOST

ROOST has emerged as a nonprofit organization under the auspices of the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. It combines the expertise, resources, and investments of major tech companies and foundations, including Eric Schmidt, Discord, OpenAI, Google, and others. This initiative aims to construct a scalable and interoperable security infrastructure specifically designed for the age of artificial intelligence.

The presence of generative AI technologies has transformed the online landscape, compelling a robust response to the evolving threats in digital security. Recognizing this need, ROOST aims to bridge significant gaps that exist in the realm of online safety for children, offering organizations worldwide tools that will simplify detecting, verifying, and reporting inappropriate content.

Features of ROOST

One of the cornerstone offerings of ROOST will be its developer-friendly open-source tools designed for detecting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The initiative will also leverage large language models (LLMs) to enhance the effectiveness of security infrastructures, making essential technology not just accessible but user-friendly as well. This commitment ensures that entities can integrate robust security measures into their platforms while remaining innovators in their own rights.

Collaborative Approach

The unique aspect of ROOST lies in its collaborative framework. It provides organizations with pre-existing tools, eliminating the redundant effort of developing new security solutions from scratch. This design particularly benefits small businesses and non-profits, allowing them to focus their energy on providing services while simultaneously enhancing user security.

To date, ROOST has secured over $27 million in funding from leading philanthropic entities and tech companies, enabling it to sustain its efforts for four years. The initiative's vision is clear: to expand its reach and service offerings to as many organizations as possible, creating a safer digital realm for all.

Statements from Leaders

Eric Schmidt, one of ROOST's founding partners, emphasized the initiative's importance by stating, "ROOST is set on accelerating innovation in online child safety and artificial intelligence by providing small enterprises and non-profits the access to technologies they currently lack. Its unique collaborative open-source framework aims to make infrastructures transparent, accessible, and complementary, and ultimately forge a safer internet for all."

Camille François, President of ROOST and Professor at Columbia University, added, "This initiative marks the beginning of a new era for collaborative security innovation. By democratizing access to robust security tools through open-source platforms, we are paving the way for a pluralistic and safer digital future in the AI age. We deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions of our founding partners and supporters in this mission."

Clint Smith, Chair of the Board at ROOST, and Chief Legal Officer at Discord, reiterated the value of community collaboration, stating, "At Discord, we firmly believe that safety is a shared value. Our commitment to improving the entire internet, especially for the youth, is unwavering. Our involvement in ROOST, alongside other industry leaders, aims to lend our innovative security tools to promote a safer online world."

Conclusion

The establishment of the ROOST initiative represents a crucial step in enhancing online safety, particularly for vulnerable young users. With its foundation on collaboration, open source, and accessibility, ROOST is well-poised to tackle the increasingly complex challenges posed by the fast-evolving digital landscape shaped by artificial intelligence.