UK Government Faces Scrutiny Over OpenAI Agreement on AI Use in Public Sector

UK Government Faces Scrutiny Over OpenAI Agreement on AI Use in Public Sector
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The UK government is under pressure to provide greater transparency regarding a new agreement with OpenAI, The Guardian reported. The memorandum of understanding, signed between Technology Secretary Peter Kyle and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, allows the US-based firm to collaborate on applying AI in sectors such as justice, education, and national security.

Critics, including Chi Onwurah, chair of the Commons science and technology committee, raised concerns over the lack of detail in the agreement and called for assurances that UK public data will remain protected under national legislation. She warned that trust in AI deployment requires clarity and referenced past failures like the Post Office Horizon scandal.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology clarified that the partnership does not grant OpenAI access to government datasets and any future decisions will follow standard procurement procedures. The deal is part of a broader push involving tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Palantir, with some already active in UK public services.

While proponents highlight AI’s potential to streamline administrative tasks and improve efficiency, campaigners argue that vague agreements risk compromising public oversight and data sovereignty. Critics say stronger safeguards are needed to ensure public interest is prioritized.