AI Dataset C4's Dependence on Cryptocurrency Websites

C4's Reliance on Cryptocurrency Platforms

The Colossal Clean Crawled Corpus (C4), a leading AI dataset, significantly relies on data from cryptocurrency platforms. This reliance stems from millions of text snippets sourced from crypto-centric websites and platforms linked to cryptocurrency.

Key Crypto Contributions to C4

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website is a notable contributor, with 36 million tokens, representing 0.02% of C4's dataset. This positions the SEC's website prominently among the platforms engaged by C4. Similarly, Bitcointalk.org, associated with Satoshi Nakamoto, contributes 6.1 million tokens, ranking as the 780th site in C4's dataset.

Other Influential Crypto Sites

Additional crypto platforms like Cointelegraph and CoinMarketCap, alongside six other related websites, add 0.008% to C4's dataset. Although their contribution might seem small, these websites form a significant part of C4's crypto representation. Meanwhile, IPFS and Steemit, although not directly involved in cryptocurrency, have substantial connections to the crypto world, ranking 16th and 594th, respectively, in C4's dataset.

Implications of Crypto Data in AI Training

The integration of crypto-related data underscores cryptocurrency's growing influence in mainstream arenas. This involvement may affect C4's outcomes, given the notable presence of these sites, despite being outranked by major platforms like Google and Facebook.

Criticism and Potential Bias

C4 has faced scrutiny over its data sources, accused of including pirated content and hate speech, despite attempts at cleaning. With only 400 words in its censoring list, concerns about controversial content persist. The inclusion of crypto sites may further influence the dataset's bias levels, highlighting the need for ongoing evaluation of its content and sources.