(F)ederated (L)earning on the Bl(ock)chain with Flock

Connor is joined by Jiahao Sun of Flock, a project that aims to revolutionize the AI landscape through decentralization. They discussed the growing trend of open-source AI models catching up to their closed-source counterparts, raising the question of whether closed-source AI is becoming obsolete. Jiahao emphasized the importance of community-driven development and the need for individuals to have control over their own data and AI models, rather than relying solely on tech giants like Google and Microsoft.

They explored Flock's unique approach, which combines federated learning with blockchain technology to ensure user data remains local while still allowing for collaborative training. This model not only promotes privacy but also addresses the biases that can arise from centralized evaluations, as highlighted by past controversies in the industry.

Looking ahead, they speculated on the future of AI agents and how everyday people might interact with them. Jiahao predicted a surge in personal AI agents that could operate locally on devices, enhancing privacy and user control. They also touched on the challenges posed by centralized AI systems and the importance of developing decentralized solutions that empower users.

Overall, it was an insightful conversation about the future of AI, the role of decentralization, and the potential for individuals to harness their own AI agents.

00:00 - Introduction

00:02 - Empowering the Community with AI

00:20 - The Rise of Open Source AI01:30 - Flock's Vision for Decentralized AI

02:45 - Quality Data Over Quantity

03:56 - The Need for Decentralized AI

05:04 - Future of AI Agents

06:31 - Privacy and Local AI Models07:06 - Closing Remarks

Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.