OpenAI has signed a non-binding agreement with the UK government to explore how artificial intelligence can improve public services, including education, justice, and national security. The collaboration, announced by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, aims to increase productivity and economic growth, and may involve access to government data and investment in AI infrastructure.
OpenAI will also expand its London office. CEO Sam Altman said the deal aims to “deliver prosperity for all.”
Critics, however, raised concerns about data privacy and transparency. Digital rights group Foxglove warned the agreement lacks clarity and could result in public data being used to train commercial AI models. The Labour government has previously faced backlash from artists and campaigners over unlicensed data use by generative AI systems.
The UK has also inked similar deals with Google and Anthropic as part of its AI growth strategy. Civil servants are already using AI tools powered by OpenAI, known internally as “Humphrey.”
