Position statement on AI models and OSAID [was: Should we endorse the Open Source AI Definition?]

[Robie Basak]

Hi Merlijn,

We agree that this is an important topic, and appreciate you raising it.
The Technical Board has arrived at an interim position on this, as
follows.

We take the view that any endorsement we might make must align with the
rules that we apply to Ubuntu package archive.

We note that Debian is also considering this topic. There was at one
point a firm proposal made in Debian[1], but that was then withdrawn
from Debian's GR process. Since Debian no longer has a firm timeline for
deciding upon this, we think it is useful to state an interim position.

We acknowledge that the models available to our users are currently
unlikely to be DFSG-compliant in practice, but may be OSAID-compliant.

However, we also value the user empowerment that results from our
application of the DFSG as the bar for inclusion in our main and
universe archive components. We do not wish to see this diminished by
lowering this bar.

Nevertheless, we think that it is valuable to make it easier for Ubuntu
users to benefit from what is available, in order to avoid our users
being left behind.

Like the proposal in Debian, we therefore take the view that AI models
available under a DFSG-compatible license but without the original
training data or training programs are not DFSG-compliant. This makes
such models ineligible for inclusion in the main and universe archive
components in Ubuntu.

However, we note that OSAID-compliant AI models are likely to meet our
criteria for our multiverse archive component.

Therefore, we encourage suitable software to be packaged in main or
universe such that it can be enhanced in functionality if the user
installs appropriate AI model(s) packaged in multiverse. The package in
main or universe must be useful without multiverse enabled; if it is
not, then it should reside entirely in multiverse.

Due to the way that Ubuntu is derived from Debian, and depending on
decisions made in the future in Debian, it may be the case that AI
models packaged in Debian that we consider non-compliant nevertheless
get synced to the main or universe archive components in Ubuntu. If this
occurs, please notify the TB. The TB will consider an appropriate course
of action at that time, which may lead to an evolution, amendment or
reversal of this position.

On behalf of the Ubuntu Technical Board,

Robie

[1]: https://www.debian.org/vote/2025/vote_002
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