The UK government has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, aiming to use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity within the nation’s public services. The agreement, signed by OpenAI and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, could grant the AI firm access to government data and see its software deployed across various sectors, including education, defence, security, and the justice system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UK Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said:\u00a0\u201cAI will be fundamental in driving the change we need to see across the country\u2014whether that\u2019s in fixing the NHS, breaking down barriers to opportunity or driving economic growth. That\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis can\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OpenAI\u2019s technology has become essential for millions of Brits. The UK is a top three market globally for paid subscribers and API developers. The non-legally binding agreement outlines an intention for the UK and OpenAI to develop an “information sharing programme” and establish “safeguards that protect the public and uphold democratic values.” It also signals an exploration of investment in AI infrastructure, typically involving the construction or expansion of data centres. OpenAI further plans to expand its London office, which currently employs over 100 people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman said:\u00a0\u201cAI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The UK Government has already built an AI chatbot using our API that allows thousands of small businesses to more easily get advice from GOV.UK information on business rules and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OpenAI technology also underpins multiple tools in \u2018Humphrey\u2019, Whitehall\u2019s AI assistant that aims to speed up the civil service by relieving admin burden, and is used in \u2018Consult\u2019, the bespoke tool that speeds up the policy making process by automatically sorting public responses to consultations\u2014completing a task that takes officials weeks in minutes, while leaving important decisions to experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n