OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman discussed a potential multibillion-pound arrangement to provide premium ChatGPT access across the UK in talks with UK technology secretary Peter Kyle, as part of wider collaboration discussions between the company and the government.
Proposal surfaced amid broader OpenAI–UK talks
According to two sources with direct knowledge of the meeting, the idea of giving UK residents access to OpenAI’s advanced product was floated during discussions in San Francisco about potential cooperation. Those close to the talks said Kyle did not seriously pursue the proposal, which could have cost as much as £2bn. According to The Guardian, the exchange highlights the technology secretary’s embrace of the AI sector, even as questions persist over chatbot accuracy, privacy and copyright.
OpenAI offers free and subscription versions of ChatGPT, with the paid tier, ChatGPT Plus, priced at $20 per month and providing faster responses and priority access to new features. An OpenAI spokesperson said millions in the UK use ChatGPT for free and pointed to a July memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UK government aimed at exploring how to support AI growth and “democratise access to AI.”
Meetings, MoU and scope for public services
Transparency data shows Kyle dined with Altman in March and April. In July, Kyle signed an agreement with OpenAI to use AI in UK public services. The non-binding MoU could allow OpenAI access to government data and lead to software use in education, defence, security and the justice system. The science and technology department said it had not taken forward any proposal to give residents access to ChatGPT Plus or discussed it with other departments.
Context: market importance and policy debates
The UK is among OpenAI’s top five markets for paid ChatGPT subscriptions. The company has held talks with several governments and agreed a deal with the United Arab Emirates to “enable ChatGPT nationwide” and use the technology in sectors including transport, healthcare and education.
Within the UK, ministers have faced criticism from artists over planned copyright changes that would allow AI companies to train models on copyrighted work unless owners opt out. The government said it is reviewing and consulting on the changes, amid claims it has grown too close to big tech and concerns from a UK AI trade body that policy is skewed toward large firms. A government spokesperson said it is working with OpenAI and others to explore investment, improve public services and rigorously test new technology before public release.
