Beginner · Fundamentals

Proprietary Model

Visual diagram · (in preparation) · Math · (in preparation) · Worked example · 3 difficulty levels.

TL;DR. An AI model, often highly performant, developed and owned by a specific entity, with its internal workings and weights kept confidential.

Technical Definition

An AI model, often highly performant, developed and owned by a specific entity, with its internal workings and weights kept confidential.

How it works

Proprietary models are typically developed by companies and offered as a service (e.g., via API). Their closed nature allows providers to maintain a competitive advantage, protect intellectual property, and often invest heavily in robust safety and alignment. However, their lack of transparency can pose challenges for auditability, customizability, and independent safety assessment.

Related Concepts

• Open-source Model — An AI model whose code, weights, and sometimes training data are publicly accessible, allowing for inspection, modification, and redistribution.