The UK government has entered into a new partnership with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, aimed at enhancing productivity across public services through the use of artificial intelligence.
The non-binding agreement, announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, outlines ambitions to apply AI tools in areas such as education, defence, law enforcement, and the justice system. As part of the collaboration, OpenAI may gain access to certain government datasets.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the initiative represents a major step forward in integrating AI into public operations, stating that the technology “will be fundamental in driving change” and promoting economic expansion.
While the Labour-led government’s enthusiasm for AI has been welcomed by some, it has also sparked concern among critics. Musicians and digital rights groups have voiced unease about the use of AI trained on creative works without explicit consent.
The agreement outlines plans to create a framework for information-sharing and to jointly develop safety measures that safeguard public interests and democratic principles. Investment in AI infrastructure—particularly the expansion of data centres needed to support large-scale AI systems—is also on the agenda.
Additionally, OpenAI will increase its presence in the UK by growing its London office, which currently employs over 100 staff.
Although the agreement doesn’t carry legal weight, it sets the foundation for future collaboration between OpenAI and the UK government. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the initiative a chance to “deliver prosperity for all,” describing AI as a foundational technology capable of reshaping economies.
Altman and Kyle reportedly met over dinner on two occasions earlier this year, in March and April, as revealed in official transparency records.
AI and the UK Economy
This development comes amid efforts by the UK government to revitalise economic growth, which has been sluggish—official forecasts for April to June predict GDP growth of just 0.1% to 0.2%.
In January, Prime Minister Keir Starmer launched the “AI Opportunities Action Plan” to stimulate the UK’s tech sector. While the initiative was welcomed by major companies, some industry voices, including Tim Flagg of UKAI (a trade body for British AI firms), criticised the strategy for focusing too heavily on global tech giants at the expense of homegrown innovation.
The UK has signalled openness to American AI investment, having previously secured similar deals with OpenAI competitors Google and Anthropic. Officials say these partnerships could position the UK as a global hub for cutting-edge AI development.
The government already uses OpenAI’s technology in its “Humphrey” AI tool suite—designed to boost civil service efficiency.
Generative AI platforms like ChatGPT can create written content, visuals, audio, and video based on user input. However, their use has prompted legal and ethical debates over data sourcing, including concerns about copyrighted material and the accuracy of AI-generated information.
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