Blockchain Meets AI: Why the Future Needs More Decentralization

Hold onto your crypto wallets, folks. Today, we're diving deep into the mysterious realm of AI—the land where algorithms pretend to be the all-knowing wizards behind the curtain. But there's a twist! Simon Kim from Hashed, South Korea's crypto VC jumbo-jet, suggests that AI's future should be less Wizard of Oz and more blockchain Avengers. Why? Because right now, AI feels a bit too much like that suspiciously cryptic friend who can’t stop talking about their plans, yet you have no idea what they actually do.

The Plot: AI's Spooky Black Box

Centralized AI models, like our mate GPT or OpenAI, are essentially black boxes. They're like that dubious blender you bought online—it looks shiny on the outside but you don't really know what magic (or chaos) is happening inside it. These models are controlled by a handful of tech giants. And while they are whispering sweet answers to our questions, they aren't open to regular folks peeking inside and seeing how the gears turn. Yikes.

According to Kim, the AI centralization party is getting out of hand. Imagine AI turning into a powerful entity—like a "god"—but instead of benevolent Zeus vibes, we're getting more confused minotaur. And we certainly didn't sign up for divine confusion as we ordered pizza from our voice assistant.

Enter Blockchain, the Trusty Sidekick

Ah, blockchain, the caped crusader of the tech universe. Blockchain is known for being transparent, trustworthy, and the ultimate anti-tamper hero. Kim believes that blockchain can solve the headache-inducing problem of AI's opacity, turning it into an ecosystem where creators get rewarded, intellectual property (IP) is respected, and the ledger is clearer than a crystal ball.

Blockchain’s transparency could shine a light into the AI black box, ensuring everything inside is visible and comprehensible. We've all heard too much about AI making biased decisions, mostly because the decision-making process happens in private chambers away from public scrutiny.

The Solution: Decentralization of AI

Kim is championing a new anthem for AI—a decentralized and open-source future. This means AI models should be more like Meta's LLaMa, where transparency is key and everyone gets an invite to see the wizardry that's going on. Also, how about creators finally getting their dues?

Imagine a world where the things you write won't become an AI's snack without any credit thrown your way. That’s where Kim proposes a “copyright layer” using blockchain, making sure all you internet contributors get recognized and paid. Hallelujah, it's like the gig economy getting its own superhero.

In fact, Hashed is already tuning into this scene with their investment in Story, an IP management protocol. Now, they haven’t dipped their toes into the full-fledged decentralized AI ocean just yet, but they’re swimming closer.

The Bigger Picture

Simon Kim might be waving the blockchain flag, but he's not the only voice in this harmonious choir. Think about Mark Zuckerberg from Meta or even the Economists’ editorial board—they all shout the same slogan: Open the AI black box!

As the AI industry gears up to mature, it’s clear that blockchain might be the fairy godmother it desperately needs. The world won't wait for it to turn into an opaque tech monster. So, the next time someone tries to invent an AI "god," let's make sure we've got a blockchain-based chaperone ready to keep it all in check (and pay the internet wizards along the way).

Time will tell if Kim's vision gets to take the golden crown in the AI realm. But in the ever-expanding universe of crypto and AI, we know one thing for sure—blockchain is the trusty sidekick ready to make things right!

Join the conversation at Consensus Hong Kong 2025! It’s the party the crypto world is raving about. Save 15% with the code CoinDesk15. Secure your seat, because the next big idea in blockchain might just emerge over there!

And that’s your AI-crypto crossover episode for today. Stay savvy, stay secured, and never stop exploring the crypto cosmos!