Launch of the Decentralized AI Society (DAIS)

SINGAPORE — In a significant move to address the growing concerns surrounding the monopolization of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, a group of industry leaders has established a non-profit organization known as the Decentralized AI Society (DAIS). This initiative aims to promote a more equitable and decentralized approach to AI development, ensuring that the benefits of AI technology are accessible to a broader range of stakeholders rather than being concentrated among a few powerful entities.

The organization is spearheaded by Michael Casey, a prominent figure in the crypto and technology space, who previously served as CoinDesk’s chief content officer and chair of the Consensus conference—the company’s flagship event. In an interview with CoinDesk during the Token2049 blockchain conference held in Singapore, Casey emphasized the urgency of DAIS’s mission. He highlighted a critical issue facing the AI landscape: “The decentralized AI society is acknowledging the fact that centralized platforms in the AI era have a massive head start,” he stated. “They own all the data, they own all the compute, and I would say they own the regulators.” This statement underscores the challenges that smaller players and innovators face in a market dominated by tech giants.

Founding Members and Objectives

The founding members of DAIS consist of eight organizations, which include:

• CETI AI
• Filecoin Foundation
• Bloq
• Hypercycle
• Morpheus
• Hemi
• Odyssey
• Lumerin

These members represent a diverse range of expertise and resources, working collaboratively to address the challenges posed by centralized AI platforms. According to DAIS, the organization aims to tackle four critical problems:

• Access to Data: Ensuring that smaller entities and developers have access to the data necessary for creating and training AI models.
• Computational Resources: Providing equitable access to computational power, which is essential for developing robust AI applications.
• Regulatory Influence: Advocating for fair regulatory frameworks that do not favor established corporations over emerging players.
• Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of decentralized AI and the implications of its monopolization.

Casey expressed a resolute belief in the possibility of overcoming these challenges, stating, “What choice do we have but to fight for a decentralized form of AI, given the power of tech giants like OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Apple? I never accept the idea that this is too difficult. Somebody has to resolve the challenge.” This perspective reflects a growing sentiment in the tech community that decentralized approaches are not only desirable but essential for fostering innovation and competition in the AI sector.

As DAIS embarks on its mission, it aims to create a collaborative environment where individuals and organizations can contribute to the development of decentralized AI solutions. By fostering innovation and advocating for fair practices, DAIS seeks to empower a new generation of developers and researchers, ensuring that the future of AI is inclusive and beneficial for all.