The AI-driven platform also intends to increase the size of the London-based office amid a commitment to supporting the UK’s businesses, developers and start-ups.
Sam Altman’s artificial intelligence organisation, OpenAI, has signed a strategic partnership deal with the UK government that aims to expand the region’s AI endeavours.
According to a release issued by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the strategy will research the expansion of the UK’s AI security research collaborations, its AI infrastructure and how taxpayer funded services in areas such as security, education, justice and defence can best apply new technologies.
The plan also explores the possible expansion of OpenAI’s London-based office, which was the first to be established outside of the US and currently offers a location from which research and engineering teams can contribute to the development of AI models that support the UK’s businesses, developers and start-ups.
Additionally, under the partnership OpenAI will consider the infrastructure priorities laid out in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which details the UK’s ambitions around AI sovereignty and driving economic growth. This involves the development of AI Growth Zones, which would become “hotbeds for AI infrastructure”.
Commenting on the news, OpenAI CEO, Sam 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 technology secretary Peter Kyle added, “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. That’s why we need to make sure Britain is front and centre when it comes to developing and deploying AI, so we can make sure it works for us.
“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, creating high-paid tech jobs, driving investment in infrastructure and crucially giving our country agency over how this world-changing technology moves forward.”
OpenAI recently launched a new agentic AI model that has brought significant safety concerns to the forefront, as it marks the first time that users can ask ChatGPT to take actions on the internet.
Essentially, the agent is working directly with personal data accessed through websites you have logged into and is now capable of operating in ‘takeover mode’. Additionally, due to its advanced capabilities, OpenAI regards the ChatGPT agent as having high biological and chemical capabilities under its Preparedness Framework.
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