OpenAI partners with Malta to distribute free ChatGPT Plus subscriptions
The Malta Digital Innovation Authority is managing the rollout, which targets all residents and citizens who hold an active European Union eID account and complete training on responsible usage.
OpenAI has entered into a partnership with the Government of Malta to provide one-year free subscriptions to ChatGPT Plus for all residents and citizens. Described by the company as a world’s first partnership of this scale, the initiative aims to integrate the Maltese population into the digital age. The programme is managed by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, which is overseeing the distribution to eligible participants.
Eligibility is contingent upon participants holding an active European Union eID account and completing an artificial intelligence course developed by the University of Malta. The curriculum covers the basics of AI as well as responsible usage in home and work environments. This requirement distinguishes the deal from OpenAI’s previous collaborations with fintech startups, tech giants, and Disney, marking a shift towards national-level digital inclusion strategies.
Silvio Schembri, Malta’s minister for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, stated that the country is the first to launch a partnership of this magnitude. He emphasised that the government refuses to let citizens stay behind in the digital age, positioning the initiative as a move to put the population at the forefront of global technological change.
The subscription, which typically costs $20 a month in the United States, is being provided at no cost for the duration of the year. OpenAI indicated that the first phase of the programme will launch this month. The company plans to scale up the initiative as more Maltese residents or citizens abroad complete the required course, though the exact number of participants expected to claim the subscription has not been specified.
Concurrently, OpenAI has paused its Stargate data centre plans in the UK. The project, designed to assist with building out AI infrastructure, was halted due to high energy costs and regulatory issues. This development contrasts with the active rollout in Malta, highlighting the varying challenges and opportunities in the global AI sector.
