Deal to get ChatGPT Plus for whole of UK discussed by Open AI boss and minister
18 days ago
- #AI
- #OpenAI
- #UK-Government
- Sam Altman of OpenAI discussed a potential multibillion-pound deal with UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle to provide premium ChatGPT access nationwide.
- The idea was part of broader talks on UK-OpenAI collaboration but was not pursued seriously due to high costs (~£2bn).
- OpenAI offers free and paid ($20/month) versions of ChatGPT, with the UK being a top-five market for subscriptions.
- A non-binding MoU was signed in July for OpenAI to explore AI use in UK public services (education, defense, etc.).
- Kyle has actively promoted AI, even using ChatGPT for work advice, calling it a 'fantastically good' tutor.
- OpenAI has similar deals with other governments, like the UAE, for nationwide ChatGPT deployment in public sectors.
- UK aims to lead in AI, with Kyle emphasizing its role in future global power dynamics.
- Concerns persist over ChatGPT's accuracy, copyright issues, and bias toward big tech, drawing criticism from artists and smaller AI firms.
- Proposed UK copyright law changes (allowing AI training on copyrighted works by default) have sparked backlash from creatives.
- The government denies favoring big tech, stating it prioritizes AI security, public service improvements, and infrastructure investment.