The Guardian reports that UK technology secretary Peter Kyle and OpenAI boss Sam Altman discussed a bold idea: giving every UK resident ChatGPT Plus access.
Big ideas from the piece:
-
Nationwide access considered – A £2bn proposal to give all UK residents ChatGPT Plus was floated, though not taken seriously.
-
Government partnership – The UK signed a non-binding agreement with OpenAI to explore AI use in public services like education, defence, and justice.
-
Altman’s global push – OpenAI has already struck a nationwide deal with the UAE, and is in talks with other governments.
-
Rising concerns – Critics warn about accuracy, copyright issues, and government ties to big tech overshadowing smaller players.
∴
The UK are unlikely to do it. Imagine if NZ did!
Would nationwide AI access empower people or deepen dependence on big tech?


