UK Government partners with OpenAI to revamp public services

The UK Government has signed a deal with OpenAI, owner of ChatGPT, to explore and accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across a raft of areas including justice, security and education.

Technology secretary Peter Kyle agreed a memorandum of understanding with Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, earlier today.

The deal comes amid a row between ministers and campaigners over the government’s large-scale push for innovation. Earlier this month campaigners described a prior deal with Google to provide free technology to the public sector as “dangerously naïve”.

Similarly, artists and other creatives have also accused ministers of selling them “down the river”, following their decision to keep an amendment to force AI developers to declare their use of copyright material when training model out of the new Data Act.

However, Kyle said AI will be “fundamental in driving the change we need to see across the country”, adding the new partnership will give the UK “agency over how this world-changing technology moves forward”.

Under the new agreement, OpenAI is set to expand its collaboration with the UK AI Security institute, including drafting a new information sharing programme.

OpenAI and the government will also explore “how advanced AI models can be deployed throughout government and the private sector” in a bid to boost efficiency across the civil service and help citizens navigate public services more effectively.

Kyle said:  “AI will be fundamental in driving the change we need to see across the country – whether that’s in fixing the NHS, breaking down barriers to opportunity or driving economic growth. That’s why we need to make sure Britain is front and centre when it comes to developing and deploying AI, so we can make sure it works for us.

“This can’t be achieved without companies like OpenAI, who are driving this revolution forward internationally. This partnership will see more of their work taking place in the UK, creating high-paid tech jobs, driving investment in infrastructure, and crucially giving our country agency over how this world-changing technology moves forward.”

The parentship will also see OpenAI help the government “identify potential routes to deliver the infrastructure priorities” such as expanding the numbers of data centres across the country and may also include the tech firm participating in the AI Growth Zones initiative.

Altman said: “AI is a core technology for nation building that will transform economies and deliver growth. Britain has a strong legacy of scientific leadership and its government was one of the first to recognize the potential of AI through its AI Opportunities Action Plan. Now it's time to deliver on the plan's goals by turning ambition to action and delivering prosperity for all.”