New York's RAISE Act: A Roadblock for AI Progress?

The Backbone of Modern Technology

In today's tech world, open-source software is the backbone of many innovations. From Mars rovers to Zoom calls, these technologies rely on a global network of volunteers. This collaborative approach speeds up AI advancements, as developers build on existing work, saving time and resources.

Researchers and students benefit greatly, using open-source models to test new ideas and improve safety mechanisms. This cycle of contribution and improvement makes cutting-edge technology accessible to all.

The Threat of the RAISE Act

However, New York's RAISE Act could disrupt this ecosystem. The act holds large developers accountable for any misuse of their AI models, even by third parties. This is problematic because it doesn't align with how open-source technology operates.

• The act's definition of a "large company" is arbitrary, not considering the actual capabilities or risks of the models.
• It holds companies responsible for derivative models created by others, which could stifle innovation.

The Consequences

The RAISE Act could lead to a breakdown in the innovation cycle. Without access to advanced base models, researchers and developers would struggle to make progress. This could slow down New York's innovation economy, making it harder for the state to compete globally in AI.

The Future of AI Innovation

The future of AI innovation depends on preserving the collaboration between developers and volunteers. The RAISE Act threatens this collaboration. To maintain New York's relevance in the global AI race, it's crucial to protect access to open-source AI models and reconsider the RAISE Act.