UK and OpenAI Join Forces for Ethical AI Regulation
londen, vrijdag, 25 juli 2025.
The United Kingdom and OpenAI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the ethical aspects of AI. The aim is to set international standards and strengthen digital security. The collaboration focuses on the development of AI infrastructure, the integration of advanced models into public services, and the improvement of safety measures. With this step, the UK aims to position itself as a leader in responsible AI development.
Collaboration Focuses on Three Main Aspects
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and OpenAI focuses on three main aspects: the development of AI infrastructure in the United Kingdom, the deployment of OpenAI’s advanced models in public services, and the enhancement of their cooperation in AI safety [1]. This declaration of intent, signed by OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, and the UK Minister for Technology, Peter Kyle, will contribute to achieving the goals of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, announced by the Labour government in January 2025 [1].
Investments in AI Growth Zones
Under the agreement, OpenAI could invest in the AI Growth Zones, regions identified by the government to host strategic infrastructures such as data centres and research centres [1]. Funded with £2 billion by the government, this programme has attracted over 200 applications from across the United Kingdom, including Scotland and Wales [1]. The goal is to attract additional investments in these areas while strengthening the collaboration between universities, startups, and public institutions [1].
Application in Public Services
The UK government is already using OpenAI technology to enhance the efficiency of its public services. The GPT-4 model, in particular, powers several modules of the AI assistant Humphrey, which is deployed within public services. One of these, the Consult tool, automates the processing of responses during public consultations, significantly reducing the required analysis time [1]. The agreement paves the way for the gradual integration of OpenAI models into strategic areas such as justice, education, defence, or domestic security [1].
Ethical Considerations and Safety Measures
Technical exchanges with the UK AI Security Institute will be intensified. OpenAI will provide information about the capabilities of its models and potential risks. This knowledge sharing is intended to improve government understanding of issues surrounding advanced AI systems and simultaneously stimulate thinking about necessary standards and safety measures [1]. The two partners will jointly develop research programmes to anticipate and mitigate potential risks [1].
Impact on Digital Transformation
This collaboration represents a crucial development in the digital transformation and safety measures around AI technology. The UK aims to leverage AI as a growth driver, with expected annual gains of £47 billion and a 1.5% increase in national productivity [1]. The European AI Act, which comes into effect in August 2025, sets risk-based rules for AI system developers and implementers, including a ban on unacceptable risks and strict obligations for high-risk AI systems [2].
National AI Training Hub for Educators
As the UK takes steps in AI regulation, attention is also focused on educator training. A new National AI Training Hub, funded by OpenAI and Microsoft, will offer free AI training to over 400,000 K-12 educators in the US. These initiatives are designed to equip teachers with the tools and knowledge to integrate AI responsibly and effectively into education [3].
Ethical Side of AI Development
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, emphasises that this collaboration is crucial to ensuring the ethical side of AI. The UK government is encouraged to provide more transparency about the deal with OpenAI, while attention is also given to the potential impact of AI on the labour market and the need to find new sources of meaning for workers [4][5].