A proposal for a £2 billion deal to give every person in the UK a ChatGPT Plus subscription was discussed by a top minister and the head of OpenAI, raising questions about its feasibility. While the idea was floated, insiders suggest it was never a realistic prospect for Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, primarily due to the astronomical cost.
The talks between Kyle and Sam Altman represent a collision of grand technological vision and fiscal reality. The vision involved catapulting the UK to the forefront of AI adoption globally. The reality was a price tag that would be incredibly difficult to justify, especially as public services face financial pressures.
The discussion can be interpreted as a form of brainstorming during a broader conversation about UK-OpenAI collaboration rather than a concrete policy proposal. It reflects the exploratory nature of the government’s current engagement with the rapidly advancing AI sector, where even radical ideas are considered as part of the dialogue.
Ultimately, the story of the £2 billion proposal serves as a case study in the challenges of implementing large-scale tech initiatives. While the ambition to democratise AI is strong, the practical barriers, especially financial ones, remain formidable, forcing policymakers to seek more targeted and cost-effective solutions for integrating AI into society.