AI Adverts are Coming: Why Charities Need to Embrace Open Source AI Now!
- Jay Wood
- May 9
- 2 min read
Imagine a recently released ex-offender, hands trembling, asking an AI assistant: "How do I rebuild my life after prison?" But instead of connecting them with rehabilitation programs or support communities, the AI subtly steers them toward paid services, predatory loans, and companies that profit from recidivism. This isn't science fiction—it's the inevitable future of AI if we let commercial interests dictate how these systems serve our most vulnerable populations.
As I reflect on the rapid evolution of AI, I can't help but notice a concerning trend: the inevitable commercialization and advertising that's creeping into our AI experiences. Just like search engines before them, large language models are becoming the next frontier for marketing optimization.
A colleague recently shared how their company has already hired an "algomizer" service to ensure their products appear in AI recommendations. The concerning speed at which this is happening - far faster than SEO's gradual takeover of search results - should be a wake-up call for mission-driven organizations.
This is why I strongly believe charitable organizations and social enterprises must take control of their AI destiny now by leveraging open source models and creating their own implementations aligned with their mission.
Consider this: While commercial AI platforms may eventually prioritize profitable outcomes over social good, charities can ensure their AI systems remain free from bias and advertising influences by:
Identifying which open source models align with their organizational ethics
Training these models on their own domain-specific data
Creating AI tools designed specifically to serve their beneficiaries rather than commercial interests
The good news is that setting up your own open source LLM with custom training is increasingly accessible, even for resource-constrained organizations. The investment now will ensure your mission isn't compromised by the commercial interests that will inevitably shape mainstream AI platforms.
AI represents perhaps the most powerful technological force of our lifetime. If we truly want to harness this power for social good, we can't simply hope that profit-driven companies will prioritize the needs of the vulnerable and underserved.
It's time for charitable organizations to take ownership of this technology before it's too late. The future of ethical, mission-aligned AI assistance for those who need it most depends on the actions we take today.
What do you think? Is your organization preparing for an AI future that aligns with your values rather than commercial interests?
