Meta launches community forum on Generative AI

Meta has launched its Community Forum on Generative AI, aimed at fostering feedback and insights on the principles people desire to see reflected in new AI technologies. In an effort to address the hyperbolic discourse surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI), Meta recognizes the need for transparency, collaboration, and inclusivity in the development and governance of AI systems.

The surge of interest in generative AI, which empowers users to create text, audio, and visual content through simple prompts, has ignited both excitement about its potential and concerns about its risks. To bridge the gap between developers and the public, Meta believes that an open approach is crucial. Tech companies must share information about their technologies, collaborate with industry, government, civil society, and academia, and actively involve the community in shaping the guardrails for AI systems.

"An open approach not only fosters a better understanding of AI technologies and their capabilities but also empowers people to contribute to their development and ensures diverse perspectives shape decision-making processes," says Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta.

Meta has engaged in extensive discussions with academics, researchers, and community leaders to gain insights on generative AI content. Moreover, Meta has partnered with the Partnership on AI since its founding in 2016 to establish ethical boundaries for constructing AI products. In pursuit of greater inclusivity, Meta is now launching the Community Forum on Generative AI in collaboration with the Stanford Deliberative Democracy Lab and the Behavioural Insights Team.

The Community Forum follows the deliberative polling model, where representative groups deliberate on complex issues after receiving educational materials and expert guidance. Participants engage in multiple rounds of small group discussions, ask questions to independent experts, and share their perspectives. This model ensures a comprehensive understanding of generative AI and enables more thoughtful and nuanced insights.

"By involving users through our Community Forum, we seek to understand the governing principles they desire in generative AI technologies. This feedback will shape the future development of our systems and contribute to the broader industry," explains Clegg.

Meta's commitment to an open approach extends beyond the Community Forum. The findings of the forums will be made public, benefiting technology companies, academics, and society as a whole. Additionally, Meta emphasizes transparency, accountability, and collaboration through its participation in the Partnership on AI and the establishment of the Oversight Board in 2020. The company's dedication to openness extends to research and innovation, as Meta has released over 1,000 AI models, libraries, and data sets to researchers, enabling them to leverage Meta's computing power for open and safe exploration.

Meta's Community Forum on Generative AI builds upon its ethos of transparency and collaboration, fostering an environment where the voices of users and experts worldwide can shape the future of AI technologies. By democratizing decision-making and integrating diverse perspectives, Meta aims to create responsible AI systems that benefit society as a whole.