ChatGPT maker OpenAI is expanding its partnership with the British government with the announcement of a new domestic data storage offering for UK businesses.
Announced on Thursday by Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor David Lammy, the partnership agreement between the Californian tech giant and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) will see OpenAI for the first time store data on British soil.
The MoJ said the plan will allow UK businesses to host data on “secure, sovereign servers”, claiming this will enhance privacy and accountability and reinforce national resilience amid the rising threat of cyberattacks.
“Our partnership with OpenAI places Britain firmly in the driving seat of the global tech revolution,” said Lammy.
“We are leading the world in innovation by using AI to deliver fairness and opportunity for every corner of the United Kingdom. It’s this change that’s transforming the Probation Service and enabling us to be more human not less.”
OpenAI has been working closely with the British government as one of several Big Tech firms taking part in Whitehall’s push to adopt AI across the public and private sector.
The company signed a strategic partnership with the government in July, committing it to support the expansion of AI infrastructure and support the incorporation of generative AI technology in the Civil Service.
“The number of people using our products in the UK has increased fourfold in the past year. It’s exciting to see them using AI to save time, increase productivity, and get more done,” said OpenAI boss Sam Altman.
“Civil servants are using ChatGPT to improve public services and established firms are reimagining operations. We’re proud to continue supporting the UK and the Government’s AI plan.”
The MoJ in particular has been using an in-house AI tool for probation officers to support the recording and transcription of meetings with offenders.
