In this conversation, tante, a sociotechnologist and Luddite, dives into the recent turmoil in the open source community, notably the clash between WordPress and WP Engine. They scrutinize the evolving definition of open source AI, questioning its transparency regarding training data. tante exposes how commercialization is compromising foundational ideals, and highlights the need for democratic governance in tech. They raise alarms about corporate interests overtaking the original mission of open source, urging for a return to collective ownership and user empowerment.
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Quick takeaways
The WordPress conflict illustrates serious governance issues within open-source projects, threatening the collaborative spirit vital for their success.
Recent changes in the definition of open source AI raise concerns over transparency and dilute the foundational principles of open-source technology.
Empowering non-technical users within tech project governance is crucial for creating equitable digital spaces that reflect community needs and values.
Deep dives
The Importance of Rights in Digital Spaces
In the digital world, everyone should have rights regardless of their coding abilities, as these environments are integral to modern life. The conversation revolves around emphasizing that digital spaces are not owned by individuals but are communal resources that everyone should access and influence. This shift is necessary because software developers often have disproportionate power and control over the technologies shaping our experiences. Acknowledging users' rights is crucial for ensuring that technology serves the entire community rather than just a select few.
Conflict in the WordPress Ecosystem
The ongoing conflict within the WordPress community highlights significant tensions and controversies, especially surrounding the treatment of companies like WP Engine. Matt Mullenweg, a prominent figure in WordPress, demanded a significant financial contribution to his company, Automatic, from WP Engine, which raised questions about the governance and financial practices within the ecosystem. Many argue that such demands threaten the foundational nature of open-source projects, as they can lead to an erosion of the collaborative spirit that characterizes successful open-source communities. The dispute reflects larger issues within the tech industry about responsibility, support for open-source contributions, and the ethical implications of business practices.
The Evolution of Open Source AI Definitions
As the tech industry increasingly turns towards AI, the concept of what qualifies as open source has become murky, especially with the establishment of new AI definitions by the Open Source Initiative. Criticism arose when the definition allowed for companies to offer AI as open source while only providing vague descriptions of the training data used, rather than complete transparency. This approach risks diluting the original principles of open source, as it shifts the focus from ensuring complete access and understanding to merely satisfying corporate interests. The distinction between what is genuinely open source and what is merely marketed as such increasingly blurs, raising questions about accountability and ethical technology development.
The Consequences of Centralized Control
The rising trend of centralized control within open-source projects, like WordPress, poses risks to the credibility and reliability of essential digital infrastructures. As individual leaders assert more power, they can jeopardize the community's shared values, complicating governance and stability. This centralization could lead to a loss of trust among users who rely on these platforms, as decisions made by a few can unpredictably affect many. The challenge lies in reforming these structures to empower contributors and ensure that projects remain aligned with the community's interests and ethical standards.
The Need for Inclusive Governance in Tech
To foster a more equitable digital future, it is essential to include users in the governance of tech projects beyond the programmers and developers. Current systems often exclude non-technical users from participating in discussions that shape platforms they rely on, leading to disenfranchisement. Establishing democratic processes within open-source communities can allow all stakeholders to contribute to decision-making, thereby better aligning technology with users' needs and values. Acknowledging the broader implications of technology on society is fundamental in nurturing a digital culture that prioritizes access, transparency, and representation.
Paris Marx is joined by tante to discuss troubling developments in the open source world as Wordpress goes to war with WP Engine and a new definition of open source AI doesn’t require being open about training data.
tante is a sociotechnologist, writer, speaker, and Luddite working on tech and its social impact.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.
Also mentioned in this episode:
tante wrote about the problem with the Open Source Initiative’s definition of open source AI.