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In a move that highlights the UK government's commitment to embracing artificial intelligence, a potential multibillion-pound deal to provide every resident with premium access to OpenAI's ChatGPT was recently discussed. The conversation took place between Technology Secretary Peter Kyle and OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman during meetings in San Francisco. While sources with direct knowledge suggest the idea, which could have cost up to £2 billion, was not taken seriously by Kyle, it underscores the government's enthusiasm for the AI sector, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
A New Era of Public Service and AI-The discussions are the latest development in a strengthening partnership between the UK and OpenAI. In July, Kyle signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the company to explore the use of AI in public services. This collaboration could lead to OpenAI's software being integrated into crucial sectors like education, defence, security, and the justice system, and may also grant the company access to government data. The agreement also includes a commitment to explore investment in UK AI infrastructure, and OpenAI has confirmed its intention to expand its London office.
Kyle, a vocal champion of AI, has already been using the technology in his own role, asking ChatGPT for advice on various work-related questions, and has described the tool as a "very good tutor." This proactive stance is part of a broader government strategy to attract AI investment from the US, with similar deals already struck with rivals like Google and Anthropic. The goal is to position the UK as a leading global hub for AI, allowing it to "shape how it goes, how it is used and deployed."
Cost, Concerns, and Creative Clash-While the partnership promises to unlock economic opportunities and improve public services, it is not without controversy. OpenAI's premium version, ChatGPT Plus, costs $20 a month and offers users faster response times and priority access to new features, but a deal to provide this to the entire country would come with a significant price tag.
Beyond the cost, there are broader ethical and legal concerns surrounding the use of generative AI tools. These systems, including ChatGPT, are trained on vast amounts of existing data, including books, photos, and music, raising complex questions about copyright infringement. Artists, including Sir Elton John and Tom Stoppard, have criticized proposed changes to copyright law that would allow AI companies to train their models on copyrighted work without permission.
The UK's AI industry trade body, UKAI, has also voiced concerns that the government's approach is too focused on large corporations, potentially sidelining smaller, domestic players. A government spokesperson has denied these claims, stating that they are working with various companies to explore investment and rigorously test new technology before public release.
