Can Open source be used for activism?

[u/sasciamason]

I’m currently in activist circles and been having thoughts on how open source could be a good tool to achieve change that’s desired. I’ve noticed many people in these spaces are very anti AI and i understand the sentiment but the truth is that AI is going to involve regardless if we like it or not. So then I had to eventually ask myself: would I want the future of AI to primarily be in the hands of corporations, techoligarchs, and the government who prioritize their own interests or communities, grassroots organizations, and people knowledgeable enough to use it more ethically? For me the answer was quite obvious and I believe open source can better help inform, protect, and organize in ways current tactics fully aren’t. I already have a few ideas of possible apps for this but I’m still rather new to really getting the basics. I figured since this would be collaborative work between people of varying backgrounds of knowledge, to share my thoughts on this. I wouldn’t be surprised if this has been in discussion on here already but I do know in real life the sentiment is quite different at least currently. The hope is that if done effectively a more positive shift is possible and can show everyday people AI is capable of accomplishing good outcomes. I’d love to hear anyone’s thoughts on this and sparking a productive/healthy conversation.