OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, reportedly proposed a significant deal to the UK government, offering nationwide access to ChatGPT Plus for an estimated £2 billion. The proposal was discussed with UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle during meetings in San Francisco. While the idea was not pursued due to its substantial cost, it underscores the UK's keen interest in integrating advanced AI technologies into public services and its ambition to become a global AI leader.
Key Takeaways
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman discussed a potential £2 billion deal with UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle to provide all UK residents with access to ChatGPT Plus.
The UK government has shown enthusiasm for AI, signing a non-binding agreement with OpenAI in July to explore AI use in public services.
Despite the high cost, the discussions highlight the UK's strategic focus on AI investment and adoption.
The Proposed Deal
Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, reportedly presented a proposal to Peter Kyle, the UK's technology secretary, for a deal that would grant all UK residents access to ChatGPT Plus, the premium version of OpenAI's popular AI tool. The estimated cost for this initiative was around £2 billion. Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that the idea was floated during broader talks about OpenAI's collaboration with the UK government. However, the report suggests that Peter Kyle did not seriously consider the proposal, primarily due to its significant financial implications.
UK's Growing Interest in AI
The discussions, though not resulting in an immediate agreement for ChatGPT Plus access, signal the UK government's strong commitment to embracing artificial intelligence. Peter Kyle has been a vocal advocate for AI, even admitting to using ChatGPT for policy and communications advice. This proactive stance aligns with the government's broader strategy to foster AI innovation and investment within the country. The UK aims to position itself at the forefront of AI development and deployment, recognising its potential to drive economic growth and improve public services.
Collaboration and Future Prospects
In July, OpenAI and the UK government formalised a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the integration of AI into public services. This agreement could potentially grant OpenAI access to government data, paving the way for its technology to be used in sectors such as defence, education, security, and the justice system. OpenAI has expressed its commitment to democratising AI access, aiming for its benefits to be widely spread. The company has also engaged in similar discussions with other governments, including an agreement with the United Arab Emirates to implement ChatGPT nationwide across various public sectors.
Concerns and Government Response
While the UK government champions AI, there are ongoing concerns regarding the technology's accuracy, potential copyright issues, and privacy implications. The government is actively reviewing its approach to copyright law in relation to AI training data. A government spokesperson stated, "We don’t recognise these claims. We are working with OpenAI and other leading AI companies to explore investment in UK infrastructure, improve public services, and rigorously test the security of new technology before it is made public."