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OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has reached a memorandum of understanding with the UK government to incorporate artificial intelligence into various public services, including education, justice, defense, and civil administration. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle announced the deal, which has the backing of OpenAI's Chief Executive Sam Altman. The agreement focuses on AI safety, infrastructure development, and investment in data centers.
The agreement provides the framework for OpenAI to offer services to government departments, with a focus on enhancing productivity and utilizing AI tools to streamline bureaucratic processes. Currently, AI systems like 'Humphrey' provide civil servants with assistance in conceptualising and sifting through policy consultations and administrative work. Under this new understanding, a broader deployment is anticipated for tasks ranging from health and justice workflows to national security planning.
Peter Kyle emphasised that AI is essential to 'fixing the NHS, breaking down barriers to opportunity, and driving economic growth,' calling for global tech firms such as OpenAI to contribute to this national effort.
The UK government plans to expand public computing capacity twentyfold over five years, backed by a £1 billion investment. Under this agreement, OpenAI may play a key role in AI Growth Zones regional hubs across England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as in developing 'sovereign compute' capabilities and data centre infrastructure.
The memorandum highlights a commitment to democratic governance, public accountability, and ethical safeguards. The memo aims to facilitate research into AI security and promote the meaningful and responsible use of AI infrastructure in public institutions, thereby safeguarding citizens' rights to their data.
Sam Altman described the pact as a step toward delivering 'prosperity for all,' asserting that AI is a core technology for nation-building, echoing the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.
Also Read: OpenAI Unleashes ChatGPT Agent: An AI That Works Like a Human Assistant
While many support the shift, critics have raised concerns about data privacy, intellectual property, and environmental impacts, including energy and water usage in data centers. Some writers and artists are concerned that AI is mining copyrighted content without their consent. The UK government sources indicate that transparency measures are being embedded to mitigate risks and monitor AI outputs for accuracy.
This partnership is a key move in the UK’s aim of being an AI leader around the world. It follows agreements with other major AI companies made earlier this year and aligns with the ambitions to expand infrastructure, develop skills, and enhance public services.
