It's true that simply counting models, like the jump from 63 to 668 on OpenRouter, gives us a baseline, but the idea that this raw tracking automatically "informs and populates" a research dataset overlooks critical steps.
Our mandate in Canada would require significant data validation and operational approval before any raw count could be used for research.
For instance, if a new health app developer tracks user growth, Health Canada still requires thorough privacy impact assessments and security audits, not just raw user numbers, before that data is deemed compliant for any public health research.
Without those compliance checks, the data is just a number, not a usable asset.