Open source is at a crossroads (Changelog Interviews #558)
Sep 20, 2023
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Steve O'Grady, Principal Analyst & Co-founder at RedMonk, discusses the ongoing pressure to define open source and the efforts to broaden the definition. They delve into challenges with open source licenses, the importance of caring about open source software, and the reputation of AWS and Microsoft in the open source community. The conversation also explores licensing complexities in the world of AI and highlights the significance of open source protection.
Open source is at a crossroads, with some seeking to break the definition to be more permissive.
Adding arbitrary use restrictions to open source licenses creates confusion and goes against the spirit of open source.
While some developers may not prioritize the definition, understanding the true value of open source software is important in preserving its integrity.
Maintaining clarity and trust in the open source community requires companies to accurately label their software and be transparent about their intentions.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Defining Open Source
The podcast episode discusses the constant pressure on the definition of open source and the tensions between different interpretations of the term. Some argue for a more permissive definition, while others aim to protect the original definition. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining clarity and not blurring the line between open source and other types of licensing. These debates have become more relevant due to recent incidents of companies re-licensing their open source projects, leading to questions about the future of open source software.
The Dangers of Arbitrary Use Restrictions
The podcast explores the trend of adding arbitrary use restrictions to open source licenses, which has caused confusion among developers and introduced complications in the usage of open source software. The speaker argues that these restrictions often go against the spirit of open source and create uncertainties about compliance. The introduction of these restrictions related to revenue, user base, or specific fields of endeavor can make it challenging for developers to understand and adhere to the terms of the license. This leads to the need for a clearer definition to ensure the integrity of open source software.
People's Perception and Care for Open Source
The podcast delves into the argument that developers don't care about the specific definition of open source and that the term is less important than the functionality and availability of software. While some developers may not prioritize the definition, the speaker points out that this perspective does not invalidate the importance of maintaining open source principles. They argue that developers may not fully grasp the implications of re-licensing and the potential complications it introduces. Understanding the true value of open source software can lead developers to consider the importance of preserving the open source definition and preventing the dilution of its meaning.
The Need for Clarity and Building Trust in Open Source
The podcast highlights the importance of clarity and trust in the open source community. The speaker emphasizes that if a project or company wants to diverge from the traditional open source definition, they should not label their software as open source. They should instead use alternative terms like source available or open-ish. This approach helps maintain the integrity and trust in the open source ecosystem by clearly defining the licenses and the expectations they carry. By being transparent and upfront, companies can avoid misleading developers and ensure a strong foundation for collaboration and innovation.
The complexity of AI and open source licensing
The podcast explores the evolving nature of open source licensing, especially in relation to artificial intelligence (AI). It highlights the challenges companies face when determining licensing for AI models, particularly in terms of copyrightability. The discussion touches on questions surrounding the licensing implications of training data, output from AI systems, and the copyright of AI-generated content. It suggests that as AI and software systems become more complex, it may be necessary to develop new licensing frameworks specifically tailored to AI models and data.
The importance of transparency in open source
The podcast emphasizes the significance of transparency in open source initiatives. It highlights the positive reputation of companies like IBM, which have been transparent about their investments and contributions to open source, even if some decisions may not align with community expectations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and respecting the open source communities and projects involved. While companies may not always cater to every community request, consistency and transparency can help maintain a positive reputation and mitigate potential conflicts.
The crossroads of open source and the need for new licenses
The podcast discusses the crossroads that open source is facing and the need for new approaches and licenses. It raises the question of whether the traditional open source definition is applicable to the evolving landscape of AI and data models. The discussion highlights the complexity of licensing AI training data, models, and outputs, and the need for nuanced licenses that address these new challenges. It suggests that as the worlds of software systems and AI merge, it may be necessary to create a new class of licenses specific to AI models, data, and related assets.
This week we’re joined by Steve O’Grady, Principal Analyst & Co-founder at RedMonk. The topic today is the definition of open source, the constant pressure on the true definition of the term, and the seemingly small but vocal minority that aim to protect that definition. In Steve’s post Why Open Source Matters, he says “open source is at a crossroads” and there are some seeking to break the definition of open source to one that is more permissive to their desires, and they are closer than ever to achieving that goal. Today’s conversation goes deep on this subject.
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