Ethical Algorithms and Licensing Impasses: The Intersection of Free Software and AI Openness

Explore the complex intersection of ethical AI systems, free software, and licensing challenges in this 22-minute talk from The ASF. Delve into the growing trend of creating new licensing solutions with restrictions on fields of endeavor, behavior, community management, and commercial practices. Examine how this trend has extended to AI ethics codes and restrictive licenses. Investigate the concept of software openness as defined by Free Software and its importance in developing an open AI landscape. Consider how restrictive licenses may impact control, transparency, and oversight of technology, potentially affecting digital autonomy, power distribution, and democracy. Analyze the problems posed by "ethical licenses" for Free Software integration, license compatibility, and compliance within the ecosystem. Gain awareness of this crucial issue, especially in light of public funding for AI projects that may employ restrictive licensing practices. Learn from Niharika Singhal, Project Manager at Free Software Foundation Europe, who brings extensive international experience in IT laws, data protection, intellectual property, FinTech, and AI to this discussion.