Who Sets the Rules for AI? A Conversation with Nithya Ruff
"AI governance” sounds like something that happens in Brussels or Washington. In practice, it’s the whole set of rules, checks, and habits that decide how AI is built, used, and held accountable, and many hands are writing it at once.
AI is already deciding who gets hired, who gets a loan, and what you see online. So who decides how AI itself behaves? Companies, governments, open source communities, or the people using it?
Join Nithya Ruff, Board Chair of the Linux Foundation and an AI and open source innovation and strategy executive, for a frank conversation about how the rules for AI actually get made, and where everyday people can have a say.
What we'll cover
What governance actually means, using a familiar comparison: driving
Who really sets the rules for AI today: companies, regulators, standards bodies, and open source communities
Three gaps important to Nithya: transparency about the data models are trained on, clear licenses and provenance for models (the way we expect for software), and clear accountability when something goes wrong.
Why open source matters for who gets to build, inspect, and shape AI
What responsible AI looks like inside a real organization
Practical steps you can take to protect yourself, your organization, and the people you serve
How you can influence AI decisions at your job and in your community
Format: a short recap from Maria, about 30 to 40 minutes from Nithya, then open Q&A and discussion. Bring your questions.
Wednesday, Nov 4 · 6:00 to 7:30 PM ET · On Zoom
No coding needed. Made for anyone who uses AI at work or just wants to understand it: managers, nonprofit staff, career changers, and builders.
New? Jump in anytime. Every class starts with a quick recap, so you won't be lost. Free. On Zoom.
About Nithya Ruff: Nithya Ruff is Chair of the Linux Foundation Board and one of the world's most recognized open source leaders. A pioneer of the Open Source Program Office movement, she built the governance frameworks that enable enterprises to contribute to and lead open source at scale — including at Amazon, Comcast, and SanDisk. With 25 years in the field, she now applies that same lens to AI governance, making the case that the principles that made open source trustworthy — transparency, accountability, and clear licensing — are exactly what AI ecosystems need to mature responsibly. She speaks to executive, board, and policy audiences globally.
Sponsorship inquiries: Partner with 3percentclub
About 3percentclub: 3percentclub is an NYC nonprofit that teaches free AI classes for underrepresented builders: engineers, career changers, product managers, designers, and people who have never coded. This event is open to everyone. Want to go deeper with AI? Apply to the free AI Architect Fellowship for weekly classes, mentorship, and a community to build with.