London: A potential ChatGPT Plus UK deal has been discussed between OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman and UK technology secretary Peter Kyle during meetings in San Francisco.
The discussions have included the possibility of giving all UK residents premium access to ChatGPT Plus, although no proposal has been pursued further.
According to two people familiar with the matter, the talks have taken place as part of wider discussions on collaboration between the company and the UK government. The idea of nationwide access has been considered too expensive, with costs estimated at up to $2.54 billion.
OpenAI currently offers both free and subscription versions of ChatGPT, with the premium product priced at $20 per month. ChatGPT Plus provides faster response times and priority access to new features, making it popular among users in markets including the UK, which is one of the company’s top five subscription bases.
Kyle has dined with Altman on more than one occasion this year and signed a memorandum of understanding with OpenAI in July. That agreement has focused on using artificial intelligence in UK public services such as education, defence, security and justice, and could give the company access to government data.
OpenAI has confirmed that millions of people in Britain already use its chatbot and that it has shared goals with the government to broaden access. A spokesperson said that the partnership is aligned with the government’s vision of unlocking economic opportunities through technology.
The company has also been in discussions with other governments. In the United Arab Emirates, OpenAI has signed a deal to make ChatGPT accessible nationwide and integrate the technology into sectors including healthcare, transport and education.
In the UK, ministers have sought to attract investment from leading AI companies. Earlier this year, deals have been signed with OpenAI’s competitors Google and Anthropic, strengthening the country’s position as a hub for AI research and development.
Kyle has continued to promote artificial intelligence within his department and has acknowledged using ChatGPT in his own work. Kyle has described the chatbot as an effective tutor and has stressed that technological leadership will be a key measure of global influence in the coming decade.
However, challenges remain, with concerns raised over accuracy, copyright, and privacy risks. Creative industry figures including Elton John have opposed potential changes to copyright law that would allow AI firms to train on copyrighted material unless creators opt out. The government has said that it is still consulting on the matter and has not advanced the proposal for nationwide access to ChatGPT Plus.
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