The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: Ben Brooks on the Rise of Open Source AI
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May 9, 2025 Ben Brooks, a fellow at Harvard's Berkman Klein Center and former head of public policy for Stability AI, dives into the explosive rise of open-source AI. He discusses the ethical and security implications of open-weight models, particularly regarding U.S.-China tech competition. Brooks highlights the geopolitical challenges like national security versus innovation. The conversation also covers the critical need for regulation and the ongoing evolution of AI governance as it intersects with personal privacy and business innovations.
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Defining Open Source AI
- Open source AI models are defined by publicly available model weights that allow inspection, modification, and integration.
- This availability is critical for policy makers to understand and regulate AI technology effectively.
The Open Source Spectrum
- The AI open source debate features three positions: reject AI development, fully open release, and cautious selective release.
- The cautious middle ground focuses on limiting access to mitigate risks like misuse or accidental behaviors.
Stable Diffusion Sparks Security Alarm
- When Stability AI released Stable Diffusion openly, it captured 80% of AI image generation market.
- This led to swift national security and legislative backlash urging export controls to restrict its distribution.