ChatGPT Plus for all: the agreement (never signed) between Sam Altman and the UK government

According to the Guardian, Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI, and Peter Kyle, the UK's Technology Minister, have reportedly discussed a £2 billion deal to give all British citizens access to ChatGPT Plus. The idea, which emerged during meetings in San Francisco between March and April, was never seriously considered by the government because it was deemed too costly. It would have remained a visionary exercise rather than a concrete project, although it confirms the prominent role that the minister wants to give artificial intelligence (AI) in the national strategy.

In July, the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with OpenAI to explore the use of AI in public services. The agreement, which is non-binding, could open up access to government data and the use of software in sensitive sectors such as justice, defence, education and security. At the same time, London announced a £1 billion plan to strengthen the computational infrastructure, a necessary condition to support advanced artificial intelligence systems.

Kyle is one of the most ardent supporters of artificial intelligence within the government. He has admitted to using ChatGPT to get advice on work-related matters, going so far as to describe it as an 'incredibly good' support tool. In the spring he stated that, in the future, the weight of countries will also be measured on the ground of AI, hoping that the UK will be 'at the forefront'.

But the close relationship with OpenAI has raised controversy. Artists such as Elton John and Tom Stoppard have criticised proposed copyright revisions that would allow protected material to be used for AI training without permission, unless an opt-out is granted. Industry associations such as UKAI have also denounced a strategy that is too skewed towards foreign big tech, to the detriment of smaller, local companies.