David and Goliath. Community-driven projects wielding small language models (SLMs) are challenging the dominance of Big Tech’s AI giants. These SLMs, with their focus on data ownership, user privacy, and community-driven development, are presenting a compelling alternative to the centralized control held by large corporations.
One such project, Assisterr, is taking center stage. This community-owned initiative advocates for the “democratization of AI” by promoting the development and use of SLMs. Assisterr believes that Big Tech’s monopoly on AI development poses a threat, with the potential for manipulation and control of user data and behavior.
The core of Assisterr’s approach lies in incentivized data sharing. Unlike Big Tech’s model of harvesting user data for private gain, Assisterr proposes a system where users contribute data and are rewarded for their participation. This fosters a collaborative environment where users have a stake in the development and direction of the AI.
The potential benefits of SLMs are numerous. By wresting control from Big Tech, SLMs can offer users greater privacy and control over their data. Additionally, the community-driven nature of SLM development can lead to more diverse and innovative applications of AI, catering to a wider range of needs and purposes.
However, the path for SLMs won’t be without hurdles. Big Tech holds significant advantages in terms of resources, infrastructure, and established user bases. Additionally, convincing users to switch from familiar platforms to new, community-owned ventures will require clear demonstrations of the benefits and trustworthiness of SLMs.
Despite the challenges, the rise of SLMs represents a significant development in the AI landscape. As these models evolve and gain traction, they have the potential to reshape the way AI is developed and utilized, fostering a more open, democratic, and user-centric future for artificial intelligence.
