A memorandum of understanding signed between the UK government and OpenAI has produced no trials in the seven months since its announcement, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed.
Presented as a landmark agreement between one of the world’s most powerful AI companies and a UK government with clear ambitions to advance the AI sector, the government has confirmed that the Technology Department has “not undertaken any trials under the memorandum of understanding for OpenAI”.
The FOI request was made by the self-described “AI-native” consultancy Valliance.
“There’s no shortage of ambition or spending in the UK, but in truth the issue is in delivery. If the government’s own flagship partnerships aren’t producing visible progress, public trust will erode and businesses will hesitate,” said Valliance co-founder Tarek Nseir.
“Those leaders waiting for improvements in public services are making the call on whether their own organisations adopt AI at speed.”
Though a lack of trials can be seen as stalled progress in relation to a major AI deal, many proponents of a sovereign approach to British AI have expressed concerns at the government’s perceived preference for working with US giants.
OpenAI has also recently faced a backlash since its launch of a partnership with the US Department of War, currently carrying out controversial military operations in Iran. This prompted several amendments to the original agreement.
The company’s direct involvement with the UK government is therefore seen as divisive.
