25 US tech firms call for open-weight AI models

Nvidia, Microsoft, IBM, and Meta are among 25 US tech companies that signed an open letter this week, calling for open-weight AI models. The letter references the open-source software movement, arguing that open-weight models can lower barriers to AI adoption, boost market competition, prevent tech giants from monopolizing AI benefits, and give users more control over their tech choices.

The letter acknowledges risks like difficulty controlling derivative versions of open-weight models, but stresses that closed models also pose security issues. An open ecosystem can mobilize more researchers to find bugs and improve safety, making it a key path to AI security. The signatories have now grown to 50, including Google, AMD, and OpenAI.

Notably, Amazon and Anthropic did not sign. Forbes suggests Amazon, as Anthropic's largest investor, skipped due to business interests. Anthropic has always offered only closed AI models and maintains a stance on AI safety.