Hook: Imagine a future where one massive AI model could transform industries, enhance privacy, and give people control over technology rather than giant corporations. Near Protocol is betting big on this vision by launching a groundbreaking project to create the largest open-source AI model ever—3.5 times bigger than Meta’s Llama. Here’s why this could be the next big leap in AI and crypto.
Understanding the Big Picture: What is Near Protocol Planning?
Near Protocol, a blockchain-based platform, announced a huge plan at their Redacted conference in Bangkok. They want to create the world’s largest open-source AI model with 1.4 trillion parameters. To put it simply, a parameter in AI is like a setting or a rule that helps the AI understand and learn from data. The bigger the number of parameters, the more powerful and capable the AI can be.
To give you an idea, this new model by Near will be 3.5 times larger than Meta’s Llama, an already popular open-source AI model. This project isn’t just about size; it’s about making AI technology open, accessible, and decentralized.
Key Words to Remember:
- Parameter: A setting that AI uses to learn and make decisions.
- Open-Source: Software that anyone can access, modify, and improve.
- Decentralized Network: A network where no single entity has complete control, making it more secure and private.
How Will This Be Built? The Steps of the Project
- Crowdsourced Research and Development:
- The model’s development will be open to contributors worldwide through the Near AI Research hub. It starts with training a smaller 500 million parameter model as a first step, and the project will grow through seven stages, each stage requiring higher expertise and larger models.
- Using Advanced Technology for Privacy:
- Near will use Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), which are secure areas in a device’s processor. They keep data safe while the AI model is being trained. This way, contributors can work without risking their privacy or leaking sensitive data.
- Funding Through Token Sales:
- Creating a giant AI model is not cheap. Near estimates it will cost around $160 million. They plan to raise this money through token sales in the crypto market. When the AI model is used for tasks (like generating text or analyzing data), the profits will go back to the token holders, creating a loop of investment and growth.
Key Words to Remember:
- Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs): A secure space in a computer that protects sensitive information.
- Token Sales: Selling cryptocurrency tokens to raise funds for a project.
- Monetization: The process of making money from a product or service.
The Challenge of Decentralized AI: Why It Matters
Near Protocol’s co-founder, Illia Polosukhin, and Alex Skidanov have a big vision. They aim to use decentralized technology, which means instead of relying on a single, powerful server, they want to use a network of computers spread across the world. This is a challenging task because training such a large AI model usually requires tens of thousands of GPUs (graphics processing units) in one place, which is expensive and centralizes control.
By using a decentralized network, Near hopes to prevent one company from having total control over the AI, avoiding a future where a single entity could use AI for mass surveillance or manipulation.
Edward Snowden, a famous privacy advocate, highlighted the importance of decentralized AI at the conference. He warned that if one company controls AI, they could potentially control economies and society, turning our world into a “giant surveillance state.” This is why Near’s approach is so critical—it aims to keep AI power distributed among the people, staying true to the philosophy of Web3, a decentralized internet where users have control over their data and privacy.
Key Words to Remember:
- GPU: A computer component used to process complex data, essential for AI training.
- Surveillance State: A society where the government or a company monitors all activities of its citizens.
- Web3: The next generation of the internet, focused on decentralization and user control.
Why Is This Important for You to Know?
Understanding this project is important because it highlights the future of AI and blockchain technology. As someone interested in tech and crypto, knowing about these advancements can help you:
- Recognize Investment Opportunities: Investing in projects like Near Protocol can be a smart move as they push the boundaries of AI and decentralization.
- Learn About Privacy and Decentralization: These concepts are key to the future of technology. Decentralized AI can give people more control over their data and reduce the power of big tech companies.
- Build a Solid Knowledge Base: By understanding how big AI models work, what parameters are, and the importance of decentralized networks, you gain insights into how future technologies might evolve.
In essence, Near Protocol is not just building a massive AI model; they are attempting to reshape the future of artificial intelligence by making it open, accessible, and controlled by the community rather than a few powerful corporations. This could be the stepping stone toward a more transparent and fair technological landscape.
