Part 3/9:
Open-source projects like those from Epoch AI, along with entities such as DeepSeek, quickly reached parity with closed models, often with less funding. This phenomenon highlights that the essence of AI research and innovation isn't confined to the elite labs anymore; it is inherently democratizing.
The Democratic Nature of AI: Breaking Down Barriers
Shapiro emphasizes that AI, by its nature, is a "moatless" technology—once understood, it’s nearly impossible to restrict or control. This intrinsic openness challenges traditional notions of technological monopolies. It levels the playing field; individuals, small companies, universities, and nations can now build and deploy AI systems comparable to those of the top industry giants.