OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly pitched a bold proposal to the UK government, suggesting that every citizen be given access to the premium version of ChatGPT Plus. The plan, estimated to cost around £2 billion, was presented as part of ongoing discussions between OpenAI and UK officials following a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year. According to sources, the initiative was aimed at showcasing how artificial intelligence could be integrated into everyday life while advancing the UK’s ambition of becoming a global leader in digital innovation.

The proposal envisioned making ChatGPT Plus a universal tool for residents, giving them access to faster responses, advanced features, and priority usage during peak times. Altman suggested that such a move would democratize AI, enabling citizens across professions, education levels, and regions to benefit equally. However, despite the ambitious scale, officials were hesitant to pursue the idea due to budgetary pressures, concerns about cost efficiency, and questions over the long-term viability of funding a commercial product for an entire nation.

The discussions also raised important issues about privacy, data governance, and market fairness. Critics argued that offering exclusive nationwide access to a single private platform could crowd out competition and concentrate too much influence in the hands of one company. Proponents, however, pointed to the potential for AI to support education, healthcare, and public services if deployed responsibly and at scale.

Although the proposal was not advanced, it highlighted both the growing role of AI in policy dialogues and the willingness of governments to explore innovative partnerships. For Altman, the plan reflects his vision of AI as a utility that could become as integral to citizens’ lives as internet access or electricity, provided the challenges of cost and accountability are addressed.