Let's end open source together with this one simple trick [video] (fosdem.org)

A provocative discussion is set to take place regarding the intersection of open source software and AI technology. During a session entitled "Let's end open source together with this one simple trick," speakers Dylan Ayrey and Mike Nolan will explore the implications of using Large Language Models (LLMs) to rapidly recreate open source projects and relicense them under more permissive terms. This technique, known as clean-room design, allows developers to circumvent copyright restrictions, raising significant ethical and legal questions for the open source community. The significance lies in the potential disruption to the open source ecosystem, as it is suggested that up to 90% of open source code could be replicated in seconds with today's AI capabilities. By examining a case where MongoDB used AI to transform code from a copyleft project into a new format under the Apache license, the discussion aims to highlight the far-reaching ramifications for software development and community collaboration. This raises concerns about the integrity of open source principles and the future of collaborative software development in a landscape increasingly influenced by AI.