Discussions have taken place between Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, and Peter Kyle, the UK’s technology secretary, regarding a potential multibillion-pound agreement that would provide UK residents with premium access to ChatGPT. These conversations occurred in San Francisco and were part of a broader dialogue on possible collaborations between OpenAI and the UK.
While sources familiar with these discussions mentioned that Kyle appeared skeptical about the viability of such a deal, partly due to its estimated cost of £2 billion, it reflects the UK government’s interest in the artificial intelligence sector. However, there are existing concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated content and its implications for privacy and copyright.
OpenAI currently offers both free and subscription services for ChatGPT, with the subscription version, ChatGPT Plus, priced at $20 per month for enhanced features. Peter Kyle has previously dined with Altman and signed a memorandum of understanding in July aimed at integrating AI into UK public services. This non-binding agreement could allow OpenAI to access government data, potentially influencing areas such as education, defense, and security.
The UK is among OpenAI’s top markets for paid subscriptions. An OpenAI spokesperson noted that millions in the UK utilize ChatGPT, and their collaboration aims to democratize AI access, aligning with government efforts to harness technology for economic benefits.
OpenAI has also engaged in discussions with various governments and secured a deal with the United Arab Emirates to implement ChatGPT nationwide in public sectors. The UK has been actively pursuing AI investments and fostering partnerships with leading tech companies, including OpenAI and its competitors like Google and Anthropic.
Concerns have arisen regarding proposed changes to copyright laws that could permit AI firms to use copyrighted works for training, which has drawn criticism from artists and highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between technological advancement and intellectual property rights. The UK government’s science and technology department clarified that no formal proposal for providing access to ChatGPT Plus has been advanced or discussed further with other departments.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/aug/23/uk-minister-peter-kyle-chatgpt-plus-openai-sam-altman