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Transforming AI: The Vision of User-Owned Artificial Intelligence

Ever wondered what the future of AI might look like if it wasn’t controlled by big tech giants? Well, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of user-owned AI, a concept that’s shaking up the tech industry. And who better to guide us through this revolution than Illia Polosukhin, one of the brilliant minds behind the transformer technology that powers today’s AI marvels?

The Man Behind the Curtain

Let’s start with a quick intro to our protagonist. Illia Polosukhin isn’t just any tech whiz – he’s a former Google engineer who co-authored the groundbreaking paper “Attention is All You Need.” If that title doesn’t ring a bell, here’s the scoop: it introduced transformers, the tech that’s powering ChatGPT and other AI marvels we’re seeing today.

But here’s the twist: Polosukhin isn’t just basking in the glory of his creation. He’s worried about where AI is heading, and he’s on a mission to change its course.

Houston, We Have a Problem

So, what’s got Polosukhin so concerned? Well, it’s a few things:

• Black Box AI: Current AI models are like mystery boxes. We don’t really know what’s going on inside, and that’s a bit scary.
• Profit-Driven Development: Big tech companies are racing to develop AI, but are they putting our best interests first?
• Regulatory Worries: There’s a fear that attempts to regulate AI might be hijacked by the very companies they’re meant to control.

Enter User-Owned AI

Now, here’s where things get exciting. Polosukhin has a vision for a different kind of AI future, and it’s all about putting the power back in our hands. He calls it “user-owned AI.” But what does that actually mean?

1. Transparency: No more mystery boxes. We get to see what’s under the hood.
2. Community Governance: Imagine if we all had a say in how AI develops, not just big tech CEOs.
3. Built-in Accountability: The tech itself would be designed to be responsible and ethical.

The Near Foundation: Making Dreams Reality

To turn this vision into reality, Polosukhin co-founded the Near Foundation. It’s not your average tech startup – it’s a nonprofit on a mission. Here’s what they’re working on:

• Creating a neutral, decentralized platform for AI development
• Using blockchain and Web3 tech to make sure everyone gets a fair shake
• Building a community-owned AI ecosystem

Why Should We Care?

You might be thinking, “Sounds cool, but what’s in it for me?” Well, quite a lot actually:

• Fair Pay for Creators: If you create content that helps train AI, you could actually get paid for it.
• Less Legal Headaches: Worried about AI using your work without permission? This could solve that.
• More Innovation: When everyone can contribute, we might see some really cool new AI applications.

The Race Against Time

Here’s the kicker: Polosukhin believes we’re in a race against time. He’s worried that if we don’t establish this open, fair AI ecosystem soon, we might miss our chance. The big tech companies are moving fast, and once artificial general intelligence (AGI) arrives, it might be game over for the little guys.

What’s Next?

So, what can we do? Well, for starters, we can keep an eye on projects like the Near Foundation. Maybe even get involved if we’re feeling ambitious. The future of AI isn’t set in stone, and with visionaries like Polosukhin leading the charge, we might just see a more open, fair, and innovative AI landscape.

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