OpenAI has been in discussions with multiple governments to expand access to its technology, with the UK being a key target for a potential nationwide ChatGPT Plus rollout. The proposal was discussed between CEO Sam Altman and UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, mirroring a deal the company has already secured with the United Arab Emirates.
The talks in San Francisco positioned the UK as a potential partner for a trailblazing initiative to provide premium AI tools to its entire population. This strategy is part of OpenAI’s stated mission to “democratise access to AI” and ensure its benefits are spread as widely as possible. Securing a deal with a G7 nation like the UK would have been a significant milestone for the company.
Although the potential £2 billion cost proved a major obstacle for the UK, the conversation signals OpenAI’s proactive approach to government partnerships. The company’s memorandum of understanding with the UK to explore AI use in public services like healthcare and transport is another step in this direction, offering a pathway to embed its software deep within national infrastructure.
An OpenAI spokesperson confirmed the company’s goal is to support the growth of AI in the UK and unlock economic opportunity for everyday people. These discussions, whether they result in a deal or not, demonstrate how AI firms are moving beyond individual subscriptions to negotiate large-scale, nationwide implementation.