As the adoption of generative AI continues to rise, the conversation around open source has become increasingly important. The CEO and founder of H2O.ai, Sri Ambati, spoke with VentureBeat about how open source could be the answer to accelerating innovation, increasing transparency, and reducing bias in generative AI.

Open source has a long history intertwined with the internet itself. It is often associated with freedom, community, and progress, with big tech companies that don't release their source code often viewed as hindering innovation. However, the question arises of what happens when open source meets AI.

Emad Mostaque, CEO of Stability AI, argues that openness in AI is not only good but essential. He believes that without transparency, the positive potential of AI will remain unfulfilled and the dangers associated with it will be difficult to mitigate. However, a recent investigation by The Times revealed a more complex and troubling side to open source AI.

The investigation found that pedophiles were early adopters of generative AI, using AI image-generation programs to create and distribute disturbing sexual content involving children. It was discovered that the open source nature of some AI tools allowed for the easy modification and re-training of the programs, leading to the proliferation of AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

While open source has the potential to democratize generative AI and accelerate innovation, it also raises important ethical concerns. Striking a balance between openness and accountability is crucial to ensure the responsible use of AI technology.