Open Source refers to the practice of making the design plans of technology (the 'source code' for software) publicly accessible so that anyone can use, modify, and distribute them freely. This article will discuss what open source is and how it can play a role in creating a better world.
Q. What is Open Source?
A. Open Source involves publicly sharing the design blueprints of technology, enabling free use, modification, and distribution by anyone. It's similar to how people share and adapt recipes. This "technology recipe," known as Open Source or “free software”, is upgraded through the collaboration of technologists worldwide, thereby accelerating technological advancement.
● Open Source Software
Open Source software means the method of creating computer programs, i.e., the source code, is open for everyone to see, use, or modify. Many internet browsers and operating systems are developed as Open Source, allowing anyone to use them for free and modify them as needed.
● Open Source Hardware
Open Source hardware involves sharing the design blueprints of machines or electronic devices. Blueprints for various machines, electronic devices, and even rockets are shared, allowing anyone to view and modify them as necessary.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the design blueprints for critical medical equipment like ventilators were shared as Open Source, proving to be incredibly useful worldwide.
Thus, Open Source serves as a public good that shares technological advancements with society at large and reduces the technological divide. The essence of Open Source is in collaboration and sharing knowledge, fostering more innovation and cooperation.
Richard Stallman: The Father of the Open Source Software Movement
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(Richard Stallman, Photo Credit: Getty Image) |
Have you heard of Richard Stallman?
Stallman was the first to argue that computer code should be open source. He believed that computer code should be a public good, like air or water, and that it should lead to widespread benefits and development across the globe.
Working at MIT in the early 1980s, he realized the importance of freedom and sharing in software and started the GNU Project in 1983. GNU stands for "GNU's Not Unix," a project aimed at creating a free software system that is compatible with Unix.
Stallman made a significant statement that remains at the core of open source philosophy today, regarding the "freedom of software."
Open Source is for "freedom of expression," not about being free of charge!
"Free software is a matter of liberty, not price.
To understand the concept, you should think of 'free' as in 'free speech,' not as in 'free beer.'"
This statement emphasizes that the freedom of software is not a matter of cost but a matter of liberty. He highlighted that "free" refers not to being cost-free ("free beer") but to "freedom of expression" ("free speech").
Richard Stallman's thoughts have laid the foundation for the Free Software Movement, profoundly impacting today's technological innovations and software development culture.
The Journey of Open Source for a Better World
The Free Software Movement. Technology as Humanity's Collective Asset
Richard Stallman's philosophy was further concretized through the "Free Software Movement." This movement posits that everyone should have the freedom to use, study, modify, and distribute software.
The belief that technology should become a collective asset of humanity led to the formation of communities by developers worldwide, transcending national borders, and fostering global cooperation towards creating a better world.
Furthermore, the positive force of this movement has contributed to the democratization of global education and knowledge. Open Source software plays a crucial role in providing technology to developing countries and marginalized regions, reducing the digital divide, and promoting equality in educational and economic opportunities.
Transparency and Trust: The Power of Open Source
Transparency and trust are crucial to Stallman's Open Source philosophy. When the source code of software is made available to everyone, ordinary users like us can understand how the software operates and easily identify any issues.
For instance, the Open Source web browser "Firefox" became safer and more reliable through the review and improvement by developers worldwide. If any bugs or security issues are identified in such software, the global developer community quickly detects and resolves these issues, thereby increasing public trust.
As demonstrated by the example of Firefox, software that embraces the Open Source philosophy benefits both users and developers, contributing significantly to increased trust and efficiency, especially in the public sector.
Thus, Stallman's Open Source philosophy transcends mere technology, promoting the free flow of information and cooperative knowledge sharing, thereby enhancing societal transparency and trust.
Q. What are some examples of Open Source?
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| (Image Credit : Ushahidi HP) |
1. Ushahidi: The Power of Open Source Technology in Crisis Situations
A prime example of Open Source is the Ushahidi platform. Developed after the violence in Kenya in 2008, it's a technology that enables rapid response in crisis situations.
● How It Works:
The Ushahidi platform collects data from text messages or social media posts from users and displays it on a map. This provides real-time information about crisis situations, allowing for the delivery of emergency relief and support to the areas in need.
● The Power of a Good Community
The success of Ushahidi showcases the power of a positive Open Source community. Developers worldwide, armed with goodwill, have voluntarily improved the code and added new features, allowing the platform to continually evolve and adapt to various situations.
Since its inception in Kenya, Ushahidi has been used worldwide in various disaster and crisis situations, including the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2011 Japan tsunami, as well as in various political conflicts, proving to be a significant aid.
2. 'Open Source Ventilator': An Open Source Hardware Movement for Responding to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a heartwarming Open Source hardware movement. During a global shortage of medical equipment, engineers and scientists widely shared methods online for creating simple medical devices.
● How It Works
The 'Open Source Ventilator' project provided a way to create ventilators from simple materials. Makers, engineers, and medical professionals worldwide participated in the project, sharing knowledge, experience, and new ideas. Ventilators were manufactured around the world based on these designs.
● The Power of a Good Community
This movement was instrumental in saving many lives worldwide by manufacturing equipment at low cost during the urgent pandemic situation.
These examples illustrate how Open Source can contribute to world peace and social stability as a public good. Open Source platforms, combining information sharing and cooperation, significantly enhance communication and responsiveness in emergency situations, leading to inspiring outcomes.
Q. What is the relationship between Open Source and AI?
AI as a Public Good and Its Social Impact
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming every aspect of our lives. In this era of rapid change, Richard Stallman's Open Source philosophy could significantly impact the future of AI technology and world peace.
The potential of AI technology as a public good is immense. AI is not merely a sector within technology but has the power to bring about widespread changes across society. For instance, using AI to address climate change issues or to improve diagnoses in the medical field could enhance the quality of life for all humanity.
As demonstrated by the positive outcomes of Open Source projects mentioned earlier, integrating Open Source philosophy with AI development can provide solutions to various global issues, including healthcare, education, and environmental problems. This could facilitate collaboration beyond national borders, leveraging AI as a powerful tool for societal transformation and improvement.
The Challenges Ahead of Us
In the age of the AI technology revolution, a significant challenge that remains for us is applying Richard Stallman's innovative Open Source philosophy to modern AI development.
Stallman believed that an individual's creativity yields the greatest value when shared with society as a whole.
However, many AI technologies are currently being developed in closed environments. Global tech companies are increasingly developing AI in a proprietary manner, aimed at corporate profits. This approach not only limits innovation but also contributes solely to the interests of specific corporations or governments, overlooking the social and ethical impacts AI might have, which is problematic.
Ultimately, the future of AI development is deeply intertwined with the principles of Open Source philosophy. The values of cooperation, sharing, and transparency, as proposed by Richard Stallman, should serve as crucial guidelines for directing AI towards contributing to world peace and the welfare of humanity.
It is essential that we collectively maintain interest and vigilance to ensure that AI technology acts as a force for good, improving the lives of everyone.
“To embrace the future,
we must expand the scope of vocations that can herald the coming of peace.
Even though we may never meet our descendants, we must make sure that all their activities will harmonize in peaceful societies and nations.”
-Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon
Founder of Sunhak Peace Prize-
Written by: Yeon Je Choi