The UK government is facing calls for increased transparency following a memorandum of understanding signed with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.

Critics, including parliament members, have raised concerns about OpenAI’s potential access to public data.

The agreement, signed on July 21, 2025, by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, outlines plans to explore the use of AI in sectors such as justice, defense, security, and education.

It also aims to develop safeguards to protect the public and uphold democratic values.

Chi Onwurah, chair of the House of Commons science select committee, criticized the deal for its lack of detail. She requested assurances that public data would remain within the UK’s legislative framework.

Onwurah highlighted the need for transparency to build public trust in AI initiatives.

She referenced past failures in public sector IT projects, including the Post Office Horizon scandal, as cautionary reminders.

A spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology clarified that OpenAI would not have access to government datasets under this partnership.

The spokesperson said that any future decisions regarding data use or procurement would adhere to data protection laws and established processes.

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