Tech giant OpenAI signs deal with government to boost efficiency in public services

Yahoo

10 hours ago

OpenAI has signed a deal with the government to use artificial intelligence (AI) in an effort to increase department efficiency.
The new partnership will involve the ChatGPT creator exploring how AI can be used in areas such as education, justice, defence and security to make them "more efficient and effective".
They will also explore investing in British AI infrastructure, such as data centres.
Politics latest:
Ministers want OpenAI to identify how advanced AI models could help improve services used by the public.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "AI will be fundamental in driving the change we need to see across the country - whether that's in fixing the NHS, breaking down barriers to opportunity or driving economic growth.
"This can't be achieved without companies like OpenAI, who are driving this revolution forward internationally. This partnership will see more of their work taking place in the UK."
In an attempt to become a global AI hub, the government previously set out plans to invest £1 billion in infrastructure for AI development, with the plan to increase capacity 20-fold over the next five years.
However, the creative industries have criticised their commitment to AI, which they say could be at the detriment of their jobs.
Concerns around the amount of water needed to cool data centres and the amount of energy AI uses have also been raised as the government tries to tackle water shortages, pollution, and high energy bills.
Read more:The wealth tax options Reeves could take to ease her fiscal bindUk gives final go-ahead to £38bn Sizewell C nuclear plant
OpenAI, headed up by the American Sam Altman, also has plans to increase the size of its London office, which was the company's first international location two years ago.
The government hopes the partnership will mean "world-changing" AI tech is developed in the UK.
OpenAI will look to invest in and support AI "growth zones" across the UK, which will receive funding, the government said.
Mr Altman said: "AI is a core technology for nation building that will transform economies and deliver growth.
"Britain has a strong legacy of scientific leadership and its Government was one of the first to recognise the potential of AI through its AI Opportunities Action Plan.
"Now, it's time to deliver on the plan's goals by turning ambition to action and delivering prosperity for all."
The civil service already uses ChatGPT in its AI assistant, "Humphrey", to speed up admin tasks.