Labour Government Under Fire for Being “Too Close to Big Tech” Amid OpenAI Talks

The Labour government is facing intensified claims of being “too close to Big Tech” following revelations of its high-level talks with OpenAI about a potential £2 billion national deal. The discussions add to a growing body of criticism that the party is prioritising relationships with Silicon Valley giants.
The meeting between Technology Secretary Peter Kyle and OpenAI’s Sam Altman is being presented by critics as evidence of this cosy relationship. This is particularly sensitive as it comes alongside controversial government plans to change copyright laws in ways that would benefit AI companies, a move that has angered the UK’s creative industries.
For a Labour government, this perception is politically damaging, as it can be framed as favouring large multinational corporations over domestic workers and industries. Trade bodies representing smaller UK AI firms have also voiced concerns that the government’s focus on a few big players is harming local innovation.
While the government has downplayed the seriousness of the ChatGPT deal discussions, the report has provided fresh ammunition for opponents. It reinforces a narrative that, on the key issue of technology, the government’s policies are being heavily influenced by the interests of a handful of powerful US firms.