Decentralization of AI Crucial to Prevent Big Tech Monopolization
The potential of AI to benefit humanity is significant; however, its development under corporate monopolies risks concentrating power and excluding stakeholders from shaping its future. A recommended approach is to decentralize AI using community-driven, blockchain-based models that foster a transparent, inclusive ecosystem, ensuring AI remains safe, ethical, and accessible.
OpenAI, launched in 2015 with the mission to “benefit all of humanity” through an open-source nonprofit model, has transitioned to a for-profit structure due to a $6.6 billion debt to investors. This shift highlights a broader trend where leading AI organizations are becoming profit-driven and less transparent.
This trend poses risks as grassroots users and developers may become sidelined, similar to the Web2 era. Decentralized, community-led AI initiatives are essential to counterbalance this development, providing alternatives that keep AI systems accessible and unbiased while reducing reliance on profit-driven models.
Currently, major players such as OpenAI-Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta, and Nvidia dominate AI development. By controlling key components like models, training data, and applications, these companies can maximize profits and restrict innovation.
The cloud infrastructure, primarily managed by Amazon and Google, supplies essential compute and storage resources for AI systems. According to Akash Network, grassroots developers are projected to spend over $679 billion on cloud computing in 2024, making it unaffordable for many small to medium enterprises.
Within Big Tech's ecosystems, users face limited access to AI tools and APIs at high costs. The competitive landscape favors corporations that prioritize immediate revenue over long-term ethical considerations, as seen with OpenAI's recent dissolution of its Superalignment team, indicating a shift away from safety and accountability.
Decentralization serves as a remedy against BigAI monopolies. Innovations in blockchain AI allow user and developer communities to actively participate in AI evolution. Initiatives like KIP Protocol enable decentralized ownership of the AI stack, allowing individuals to contribute data for training without building models, thereby lowering entry barriers and facilitating non-intermediated profit-sharing.
Akash Network’s decentralized marketplace offers storage and compute resources at approximately 80% lower costs than centralized providers. Projects like Flock.io utilize Akash’s infrastructure for decentralized AI training.
Decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) projects represent a dynamic area within DeFi. Platforms like NodeFi allow users to monetize excess compute or storage on personal devices, enhancing community-owned AI governance.
Funding trends indicate growing interest in decentralized AI projects, with AI startups securing 30% of total funding in Q3 2024, amounting to $52.2 billion. Blockchain AI ventures such as Wire Network and OpenGradient are emerging alongside traditional players, presenting substantial growth opportunities.
This surge in funding signifies a shift towards decentralized alternatives, offering an equitable and accessible future for AI. As BigAI rapidly consolidates power, the importance of supporting decentralized options is critical for fostering an inclusive technological landscape.