MEPs Demand Strict Open Source AI Definition

A group of 30 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has formally cautioned the European Commission against diluting the definition of “open source” artificial intelligence in the implementation of the EU AI Act. The lawmakers, led by Birgit Sippel (S&D) and Markéta Gregorová (Greens), argue that including AI models with restrictive licensing under the open source label would undermine both the effectiveness of the AI Act and the protection of citizens’ rights, while also negatively impacting European competitiveness.

The letter specifically criticizes Meta, the owner of Facebook, for its approach to open source AI. Meta’s Llama models, while branded as open source, prohibit use for training other AI systems and require developers of successful derivative systems to negotiate special licenses. Furthermore, Meta does not disclose the code used to train its models, raising concerns about transparency and genuine openness.

The MEPs reference the Open Source Initiative, which has determined that Meta’s licensing terms do not meet the criteria for open source AI. They urge the Commission and the soon-to-be-established AI Office to clarify that such models should not be classified as open source for the purposes of the AI Act.

To ensure regulatory clarity and uphold the integrity of the AI Act, the lawmakers recommend that the Commission actively monitor global efforts to define open source and consider issuing guidance on what constitutes open source AI under EU law.

Source: Club of MEPs demand strict AI Act open source definition