The UK government explored the idea of giving every resident access to ChatGPT Plus as part of early discussions between OpenAI chief Sam Altman and technology secretary Peter Kyle, sources have revealed.
Altman met Kyle in San Francisco earlier this year, where the pair considered opportunities for collaboration between OpenAI and the UK. Among the ideas raised was a potential nationwide deal to provide premium access to ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI’s paid subscription service. The proposal, however, was not pursued after officials concluded the plan could cost as much as £2 billion.
Despite the unlikely nature of the deal, the talks highlight the strong interest shown by the government in developing Britain’s role as a global leader in artificial intelligence. The UK is already one of OpenAI’s top five markets for paid subscriptions, with millions of people using ChatGPT every day in both free and premium formats.
OpenAI currently offers ChatGPT Plus for \$20 per month, giving users priority access to new features and faster response times. In July, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK government to explore how its tools could be used in public services, including education, defence, healthcare, and justice.
Kyle has positioned himself as one of the government’s strongest advocates of artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, it was reported that he had used ChatGPT for professional advice, ranging from business adoption of AI to podcast recommendations. He has repeatedly argued that Britain must stay at the forefront of global AI development to influence how the technology is used and regulated.
Like other generative AI tools, ChatGPT can create text, images, audio, and video based on user prompts. While widely praised for its potential in productivity and education, it has also drawn criticism for inaccuracies, privacy risks, and copyright concerns.
Proposed changes to copyright law, which would allow AI companies to train models using copyrighted works unless owners opt out, have sparked criticism from artists including Sir Elton John and Tom Stoppard. Industry groups have warned that government policy is leaning too heavily toward large US tech firms rather than supporting smaller UK players.
A government spokesperson rejected claims of favouritism, stating that ministers are working with a range of AI companies to attract investment, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure rigorous testing of new technologies before they are introduced to the public. Officials also confirmed that no plan to provide nationwide access to ChatGPT Plus has been taken forward.
OpenAI has been in talks with several governments worldwide, including the United Arab Emirates, where a deal has been signed to integrate ChatGPT into public services such as education, healthcare, and transport. The UK has also secured AI investment agreements with Google and Anthropic this year as part of its wider strategy to position itself as a hub for cutting-edge technology.
As the global competition for AI leadership intensifies, ministers believe Britain must use its technological strengths to secure long-term economic and strategic influence.
