AI Collaborative

An Initiative of The Omidyar Group

About Us

Advancing AI in the public interest.

Artificial intelligence can enable or control, inspire or suppress. It requires a governance model equal to its promises, challenges, and harms.

The AI Collaborative was created to help govern artificial intelligence based on democratic values and principles and to ensure that the public has a critical voice in AI governance and development.

The technology policy landscape is shifting. Decisions made today, at a time when laws, regulations, markets, and business models have yet to be developed, will be profoundly consequential. This is a unique window of opportunity for us to act.

We seek to support talented experts with public policy and technology backgrounds from civil society, government, multilateral organizations, and the private sector to create the vision, policies, laws, and infrastructure needed to govern and shape AI.

Together, we will answer the central question, “What does society look like when AI is working in the public interest?” and will be guided by three key principles.

Accountability

For artificial intelligence to be in the public interest, it must be accountable and serve all people. It cannot remain the preserve of the technology sector, let alone a handful of companies. Governance of AI belongs in the public domain.

Transparency

In order to be accountable, AI must be transparent and open. We must structure and support independent research, evaluation, and audit processes to ensure AI advances the public interest.

Participation

Neither the benefits nor the harms from technology fall proportionately on society. The public, particularly those people and communities impacted by AI, must participate in shaping how AI is used and the outcomes it delivers.

How We Work

Goals

Seize the window of opportunity to govern AI based on democratic values and principles.

Ensure the public, and not solely the private sector, has a meaningful voice in fast-moving AI regulation.

Drive more and better funding into the AI governance field via external partnerships. This includes fostering a diversity of voices involved in the process and centering on impacted communities.

Priorities

Exploring alternative and public options to AI development and usage.

Shifting AI narratives to amplify underrepresented perspectives, issues, and communities.

Fostering the relationship between AI and labour.

Strengthening the global governance of AI.

Collaboration

Partnerships and collaboration are central to our strategy and ultimate success.

The Collaborative was set up as a force multiplier to address time-critical challenges posed by AI systems and leverage the power of external partnerships and our fellow Omidyar Group organisations through match funding for existing programs, advance funding for new ventures, executive team counsel and support, and policy initiatives and direct engagement.

We and our colleagues across The Omdiyar Group bring our perspectives, partnerships, geographic diversity, expertise, and operational and funding flexibility in service to our efforts to foster diverse societal voices to advance AI in the public interest.

To learn more about the AI Collaborative, our programs, and our focus areas, please contact us.

Meet the Team

We believe that artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape our world, and we’re committed to ensuring that its development aligns with democratic values. Our team comprises technologists, ethicists, policymakers, and community advocates, all working together to build a future where AI benefits everyone.

Connect with Us