A landmark, multibillion-pound deal to provide every UK resident with a premium ChatGPT Plus subscription was discussed in a high-level meeting between OpenAI’s chief, Sam Altman, and the UK’s technology secretary, Peter Kyle. This ambitious proposal was floated during discussions in San Francisco aimed at fostering greater collaboration between the artificial intelligence giant and the United Kingdom.
The potential agreement, which could have carried a staggering price tag of up to £2 billion, was part of a broader conversation about integrating advanced AI into the fabric of British society. The concept would have seen the UK become the first major nation to offer such a widespread public rollout of a premium AI tool, positioning it as a global leader in technology adoption.
Sources close to the meeting indicated that while the idea was presented, it was never seriously pursued by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, primarily due to the immense financial commitment required. Nevertheless, the conversation highlights the government’s aggressive push to engage with the AI sector and explore transformative, large-scale technological initiatives.
This revelation comes amidst the UK’s broader strategy to attract AI investment, having already signed agreements with OpenAI’s competitors. It also exists alongside an existing non-binding deal with OpenAI to explore the use of AI in critical public services, including defence, education, and the justice system.