White House wades into debate on 'open' versus 'closed' artificial intelligence systems

The White House said Wednesday, Feb 21, 2024, that it is seeking public comment on the risks and benefits of having an AI system's key components publicly available for anyone to use and modify. — AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File

The Biden administration is wading into a contentious debate about whether the most powerful artificial intelligence systems should be "open-source” or closed.

The White House said Wednesday it is seeking public comment on the risks and benefits of having an AI system's key components publicly available for anyone to use and modify. The inquiry is one piece of the broader executive order that President Joe Biden signed in October to manage the fast-evolving technology.